Rashba effect in a quantum dot subject to a parabolic confining potential and external fields

Abstract

Abstract The Rashba effect has been investigated in a spherical quantum dot confined by a radial parabolic potential. Also, external parallel magnetic and electric fields have been applied. The solution of the Schrödinger equation in the presence of the Rashba interactions has been derived by applying an approach that differs from the one used in an earlier treatment. The wave function in the presence of these interactions has been expanded in terms of the eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian in their absence. In our opinion, the form introduced for the wave function presents the exact solution in a more accurate manner. The coefficients of expansion have been chosen either to depend on the three quantum numbers involved or on the principal quantum number only. The results have shown that the Rashba interactions have a considerable effect on the electron energy levels and on their splitting. The variation of this effect with the applied fields and the Rashba coupling strength has been investigated. Graphical abstract