The effect of strain on spin-orbit coupling in single- and multi-layer graphene.

In this project we will investigate the spin-orbit interaction in graphene in the presence of in-plane and out-of-plane strain. By applying strain the interatomic distance changes and a rehybridization between different orbitals occurs. The key question whichI want to answer is: how is the intrinsic and extrinsic spin-orbit coupling modified in the presence of strain? Therefore we will derive a modified Hamiltonian with spatial dependent spin orbit coupling. We will use this effective Hamiltonian to investigate several problems such as the quantum Hall states and edge states, spin polarization, quasi-bound states, topological insulator behaviour, valley and spin filtering. Such theoretical studies are important to complement and guide experimental work. The outcome of the present study will be different proposals how to manipulate in a controllable way (e. g. through strain) the spin-orbit interaction in single and multilayer graphene based systems.

Keywords:STRAIN, GRAPHENE-BASED LAYERS

Disciplines:Materials science and engineering