Double reflection of electron spin in 2D semiconductors

The reflection of spin-polarized electrons from a potential barrier inside a quantum well (QW) is analyzed. Using Clifford (geometric) algebra it is shown that the spin–orbit interaction brings about a double reflection at an oblique incidence of an electronic beam. The reflected beam is in a superposition of two beams having different wavelengths and reflection angles which produces a two-period spatial beating pattern that can be observed experimentally in the electron spin polarization component which is normal to the QW.