Anomalous k-dependent spin splitting in wurtzite AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures

We have observed the k-dependent spin splitting in wurtzite AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures. An anomalous beating pattern was observed in Shubnikov-de Haas measurements due to the interference of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. The dominant mechanism for the k-dependent spin splitting at high values of k is attributed to Dresselhaus term which is enhanced by the Delta(C1)-Delta(C3) coupling of wurtzite band folding effect. The interference of Rashba and Dresselhaus effects in the AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructure provides a potential candidate for the gate-controlled spin-polarized spintronic devices.