Wave-packet propagation in systems with spin-orbit interaction

• Grant number: 12/22259-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Luis Gregório Godoy de Vasconcellos Dias da Silva
• Grantee: Marcos Henrique Lima de Medeiros
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The goal of this project is to introduce the student to the practices and methods used in research in theoretical condensed matter physics. Concretely, the student will work on analytical and numerical solutions for the time-evolution of low-dimensional electron system systems with Rashbaspin-orbit interaction. Starting with the study of elementary Quantum Mechanics concepts, the student will develop computational tools for describing the propagation of Gaussian wave-packets in systems governed by Rashba-type Hamiltonians. Initially, the calculations will be performed in one-dimensional systems. In a subsequent phase, the calculations will be extended to two dimensions.(AU)