Spin-flip scattering in ZnTe—theoretical

Abstract

The valence-band energy levels of ZnTe in a magnetic field are computed using the Luttinger-Kohn formalism for zinc-blende semiconductors and experimental valence-band parameters obtained from cyclotron resonance. The results are used to obtain gyromagnetic ratios ($g$ values) for light and heavy holes and applied to spin-flip scattering of laser light in the ZnTe valence band. The two shallowest-heavy-hole $g$ values are found to be $g=0.92\mathrm{}\pm 0.15$ and $g=2.14\mathrm{}\pm 0.20$ in spherical approximation. The shallowest-light-hole value is found to be $g=2.33\mathrm{}\pm 0.40$ in spherical approximation. Calculations are also presented for the magnetic field in the [111] crystallographic direction, and the magnetic field in the ($1\overline{1}0$) plane. The effects of scattering from holes with finite momenta along the magnetic field are also considered. The $g$ value of the shallowest-heavy-hole level is compatible with experiment.