Semiclassical magnetotransport in strongly spin-orbit coupled Rashba two-dimensional electron systems

Abstract

Semiclassical magnetoelectric and magnetothermoelectric transport in strongly spin-orbit coupled Rashba two-dimensional electron systems is investigated. In the presence of a perpendicular classically weak magnetic field and short-range impurity scattering, we solve the linearized Boltzmann equation self-consistently. Using the solution, it is found that when Fermi energy EF locates below the band crossing point (BCP), the Hall coefficient is a nonmonotonic function of electron density ne and not inversely proportional to ne. While the magnetoresistance (MR) and Nernst coefficient vanish when EF locates above the BCP, non-zero MR and enhanced Nernst coefficient emerge when EF decreases below the BCP. Both of them are nonmonotonic functions of EF below the BCP. The different semiclassical magnetotransport behaviors between the two sides of the BCP can be helpful to experimental identifications of the band valley regime and topological change of Fermi surface in considered systems.