Understanding Lorentz violation with Rashba interaction

Abstract

Rashba spin orbit interaction is a well studied effect in condensed matter physics and has important applications in spintronics. The Standard Model Extension (SME) includes a CPT-even term with the coefficient H_{\mu \nu} which leads to the Rashba interaction term. From the limit available on the coefficient H_{\mu \nu} in the SME we derive a limit on the Rashba coupling constant for Lorentz violation. In condensed matter physics the Rashba term is understood as resulting from an asymmetry in the confining potential at the interface of two different types of semiconductors. Based on this interpretation we suggest that a possible way of inducing the H_{\mu \nu} term in the SME is with an asymmetry in the potential that confines us to 3 spatial dimensions.