Giant Zeeman-type spin splitting of free electron/hole states on quasi-2D perovskite niobates: a theoretical prediction

Abstract

We study the spin-orbit interaction of two-dimensional electron/hole gas (2DEGs/2DHGs) on quasi-2D potassium niobates (KNs) via first-principles calculations. The strong surface polarity changes the free surface states from 2DEGs to 2DHGs. The in-plane dipole maintained on 2D models leads to giant Zeeman-type spin splitting, as high as 566 meV for the (001)c facet KN and 1.21 eV for the (111)c facet KN. The thickness-dependent Zeeman-type spin splitting shows a linear relation with respect to 1/r, while the corresponding in-plane polarization quantum has a linear relation of 1/(2^0.5)with respect to a decrease in thickness. Interestingly, the 2DHGs with molecular-like orbital character is solely constituted by O 2p states, showing logic switchable behavior at extremely thin samples with enormous Zeeman-type splitting that can switch between insulator and conductor by opposite spin polarization.