Speaker
Kevin Ingersent
Description
The interplay between Kondo physics and spin-orbit
interactions has puzzled physicists since the 1960s. Several
recent studies have reached conflicting conclusions
concerning the properties of a magnetic impurity in a
two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit
interactions. Subjects of controversy include (1) whether
the Kondo physics is intrinsically "one-channel" or
"two-channel" in character, with implications for the
low-temperature properties; and (2) whether or not the
Rashba coupling significantly alters the Kondo temperature
scale below which the impurity magnetic moment becomes
collectively screened by delocalized electrons. This talk
will resolve the above issues, differentiating conditions
under which the Kondo scale is exponentially enhanced due to
the presence of spin-orbit interactions from cases where the
Rashba coupling has negligible effect. Possible experimental
probes of spin-orbit effects on Kondo physics will be discussed.
Work conducted with Arturo Wong with support from the NSF Materials World Network progam
Work conducted with Arturo Wong with support from the NSF Materials World Network progam
