A metallic surface state with uniaxial spin polarization on Tl/Ge(111)-(1 × 1)

J Phys Condens Matter. 2012 Mar 7;24(9):092001. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/9/092001. Epub 2012 Feb 3.

Abstract

We show that a metallic surface state is formed on Tl/Ge(111)-(1 × 1). The surface state forms electron pockets around K of the surface Brillouin zone. A first-principles calculation reveals that the electron pockets are composed of a single branch of a spin-split surface-state band. The spin quantization axis is along the surface normal and inverts according to the time-reversal symmetry. Since this spin-split branch is the unique metallic band on this surface, the surface conductivity should be governed by this spin-split branch, suggesting a possible spin-polarized electric current.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Germanium / chemistry*
  • Spin Labels*
  • Surface Properties
  • Thallium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Spin Labels
  • Germanium
  • Thallium