Spin-orbit coupling effects in quasi-two dimensional semiconductor systems

• Grant number: 11/22606-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal researcher: Victor Lopez Richard
• Grantee: Daniel Figueiredo Salviano
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes a sequence of tasks related to the systematic investigation of electronic properties of semiconductor quantum wells which would introduce the candidate to the study of spin phenomena in these nanostructures. This contribution is part of a collaboration between experimental growth and spectroscopy groups and theoretical coworkers that treat problems related to the manipulation of spin states in quasi-two dimensional systems. Such a project would contribute to the support for the nucleation of these lines of research. The theoretical and experimental endeavors include the study of semi-magnetic quantum wells (grown on the basis of GaMnAs) and non-magnetic (grown on the basis of GaAlAs), with new structural properties with which one may control separately the effects of conduction and valence bands. Thus, as motivating factors, the work comprises two elements: i) the availability of experimental results for spin-dependent optical phenomena in these samples, ii) the possibility of theoretical simulation of optical effects associated with the spin in these systems with confined states. The tasks sequence should ensure the progress of the candidate from his basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and numerical programming toward problem solving applied to condensed matter physics and in particular to the description of the behavior of carriers in semiconductor nanostructures under external electromagnetic fields. The elucidation of magnetic effects detected experimentally under certain growth conditions of the samples will define the theoretical commitments of this project.