Nonsymmorphic symmetry-enforced hourglass fermions and Rashba-Dresselhaus interaction in BiInO$_3$

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the spin texture of the hourglass fermions band network in BiInO$_3$ using density functional theory (DFT) and symmetry analysis. Hourglass fermions are of interest in spintronics due to their unique and robust band structure, as well as their potential applications in novel electronic devices. BiInO$_3$ exhibits non-symmorphic crystal symmetries, such as glide reflection and glide rotational symmetry, influencing its electronic properties. Through symmetry analysis, we explore the band crossings and spin textures along specific high-symmetry paths in the Brillouin zone. Our results reveal a fascinating hourglass-shaped band dispersion and spin polarisation governed by symmetry operations and spin-orbit interaction. We analyse the spin-splitting mechanisms, including Dresselhaus and Rashba spin-orbit interactions, and suggest potential applications for spin-based devices. This study sheds light on the role of symmetry in crystals for fascinating spin properties of hourglass fermions in non-symmorphic materials, offering insights for future developments in spintronics.