Large Rashba splitting in highly asymmetric CdTe/PbTe/PbSrTe quantum well structures

The realization of PbTe/CdTe quantum structures and determination of highly asymmetric energy band make it feasible to construct asymmetric CdTe/PbTe/Pb1−xSrxTe quantum wells (QWs) for the probe of spintronics. Contrary to HgTe/CdTe QWs, the spin-orbit interaction in the CdTe/PbTe/Pb1−xSrxTe QWs is purely Rashba and anisotropic. Rashba splittings in the asymmetric QWs with different growth orientations and electron densities are explored. For the QWs grown along [110] direction the Rashba splitting for the oblique valley is particularly large (13.7 meV). The strong Rashba effect presented in the highly asymmetric QWs provides a potential candidate for spintronic devices.