Electric field control of Rashba spin splitting in 2D N III X VI (N=Ga, In; X=S, Se, Te) monolayer

Spin splitting of the nonmagnetic two dimensional (2D) layered N(III)X(VI) (N = Ga, In; X = S, Se, Te) monolayer is investigated based on the density functional theory. Due to the mirror symmetry, there is no Rashba spin splitting (RSS) in the freestanding NX plane. It is found that applying the external electric field perpendicular to the NX plane can result in sizable RSS around the Gamma point due to the mirror symmetry breaking. The induced RSS is mainly influenced by the anions X and gradually strengthens with the increase of external electric field. The considerable RSS is observed in NTe systems. Moreover, the influence of in-plane biaxial strain on RSS is explored, and the tensile strain can enhance the RSS, especially for those bands around the Fermi level. Our theoretical investigation provides a deep insight in spin splitting behaviors in NX monolayers and agrees well with the experimental report.