Nonlinear σ model for disordered systems with intrinsic spin-orbit coupling

Physical Review B 105, 224517 (2022)

Nonlinear σ model for disordered systems with intrinsic spin-orbit coupling

P. Virtanen, F. S. Bergeret, I. V. Tokatly

We derive the nonlinear σ model to describe diffusive transport in normal metals and superconductors with intrinsic spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The SOC is described via an SU(2) gauge field, and we expand the model to the fourth order in gradients to find the leading non-Abelian field-strength contribution. This contribution generates the spin-charge coupling that is responsible for the spin-Hall effect. We discuss how its symmetry differs from the leading quasiclassical higher-order gradient terms. We also derive the corresponding Usadel equation describing the diffusive spin-charge dynamics in superconducting systems. As an example, we apply the obtained equations to describe the anomalous supercurrent in dirty Rashba superconductors at arbitrary temperatures.

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Doi
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.105.224517
arxiv
http://arxiv.org/abs/2205.14075

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