Spin response of 2D electrons to a lateral electric field

The spin orientation of two-dimensional (2D) electrons by a lateral electric field is considered. The electron dispersion law is assumed to contain linear terms due to the spin-orbit band splitting in an asymmetric quantum well. The coefficient of spin orientation in a DC electric field is found. The mean electron spin is oriented in the sample plane perpendicularly to the electric field. The interaction of an AC electric field with spins of 2D electrons is studied. It is shown that transitions between different spin states give rise to a narrow absorption band. These states are mixed with 2D plasmons in the frequency range related to these transitions, with the result being that the plasmon spectrum is modified and a new type of oscillations arises (spin-plasmon polariton). The problem of the generation of spin-plasmon polaritons by an external field is solved. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".