Spin-orbit interaction in square core-shell nanowires

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the spin-orbit interaction of electrons confined in the outer regions of square core-shell nanowires. The polygonal cross section leads to the accumulation of low-energy electrons in the corners and the formation of a significant energy gap that separates these corner-localized states from higher-energy states localized along the sides. We show that the low-energy states behave like the states of independent quantum wires, while the higher-energy states exhibit features characteristic of coupled wires.