Rashba splitting in polar-nonpolar sandwich heterostructure : A DFT Study

Abstract

In this study, we employ density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations to investigate the spin-orbit effects in the electronic structure of a polar-nonpolar sandwich heterostructure namely LAO$_{2.5}$/STO$_{5.5}$/LAO$_{2.5}$. Our focus on the Ti-3d bands reveals an inverted ordering of the STO-$\rm t_{2g}$ orbital near the n-type interface, consistent with earlier experimental work. In contrast, toward the p-type interface, the orbital ordering aligns with the natural ordering of STO orbitals, influenced by crystal field splitting. Interestingly, we have found a strong inter-orbital coupling between $t_{2g}$ and $e_g$ orbital, which has not been reported earlier in $\rm SrTiO_3$ based 2D system. Additionally, our observations highlight that the cubic Rashba splitting in this system surpasses the linear Rashba splitting, contrary to experimental findings. This comprehensive analysis contributes to a refined understanding of the role of orbital mixing in Rashba splitting in the sandwich oxide heterostructures.