Rashba Effect

Structural inversion asymmetry splits spin-degenerate bands — spin precesses as electrons move through the crystal

Rashba coupling α_R 0.8

Effective mass 0.5

Fermi energy 0.8

Rotate view 30°

H_R = α_R(k × ẑ)·σ — The Rashba effect arises at surfaces, interfaces, and in polar materials. Two concentric Fermi circles with opposite helical spin texture. Rashba momentum: k_R = m*α_R/ℏ².