Edge states and spin-valley edge photocurrent in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers

Abstract

We develop an analytical theory for edge states in monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides based on a general boundary condition for a two-band ${\bf kp}$-Hamiltonian in case of uncoupled valleys. Taking into account {\it edge} spin-orbit interaction we reveal that edge states, in general, have linear dispersion that is determined by three real phenomenological parameters in the boundary condition. In absence of the edge spin-orbit interaction, edge states are described by a single real parameter whose sign determines whether their spectra intersect the bulk gap or not. In the former case we show that illumination by circularly polarised light results in spin and valley polarised photocurrent along the edge. Flow direction, spin and valley polarisation of the edge photocurrent are determined by the direction of circular polarisation of the illuminated light.