Quantum interference tuning of spin-orbit coupling in twisted van der Waals trilayers

Abstract

We show that in van der Waals stacks of twisted hexagonal layers the proximity induced Rashba spin-orbit coupling can be affected by quantum interference. We calculate the quantum phase responsible for this effect in graphene--transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers as a function of interlayer twist angle. We show how this quantum phase affects the spin-polarization of the graphene bands and discuss its potential effect on spin-to-charge conversion measurements. In twisted trilayers symmetries can be broken as well as restored for certain twist angles. This can be used to deduce the effects of induced spin-orbit coupling on spin-lifetime anisotropy and magnetoconductance measurements.