Zeeman-type spin splitting in nonmagnetic three-dimensional compounds

Abstract

Despite its potential for device application, the nonmagnetic Zeeman effect has only been predicted and observed in two-dimensional compounds. We demonstrate that noncentrosymmetric three-dimensional compounds can also exhibit a Zeeman-type spin splitting, allowing the splitting control by changing the growth direction of slabs formed by these compounds. We determine the required conditions for this effect: (i) noncentrosymmetric including polar and nonpolar point groups, (ii) valence band maximum or conduction band minimum in a generic k-point, i.e., non-time-reversal-invariant momentum, and (iii) zero magnetic moment. Using these conditions as filters, we perform a material screening to systematically search for these systems in the AFLOW-ICSD database. We find 20 candidates featuring the Zeeman-type effect. We also find that the spin splitting in confined systems can be controlled by an external electric field, which in turns can induce a metal–insulator transition. We believe that this work will open the way for the discovery of novel fundamental effects related to the spin polarization control.