Tunable spin-orbit coupling in two-dimensional InSe

We demonstrate that spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength for electrons near the conduction band edge in few-layer gamma-InSe films can be tuned over a wide range. This tunability is the result of a competition between film-thickness-dependent intrinsic and electric-field-induced SOC, potentially, allowing for electrically switchable spintronic devices. Using a hybrid k . p tight-binding model, fully parametrized with the help of density functional theory computations, we quantify SOC strength for various geometries of InSe-based field-effect transistors. The theoretically computed SOC strengths are compared with the results of weak antilocalization measurements on dual-gated multilayer InSe films, interpreted in terms of Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation due to SOC, showing a good agreement between theory and experiment.

Automated summary

The paper demonstrates the tunability of spin-orbit coupling strength in few-layer gamma-InSe films, potentially enabling electrically switchable spintronic devices. Theoretical calculations and experimental measurements show good agreement in terms of Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation due to SOC.