Designer Spin-Orbit Superlattices: Symmetry-Protected Dirac Cones and Hot Spots of Spin Berry Curvature in 2D van der Waals Metamaterials

The emergence of strong relativistic spin-orbit effects in low-dimensional systems provides a rich opportunity for exploring unconventional states of matter. Here, we present a route to realize highly tunable relativistic band structures based on the lateral patterning of proximity-induced spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The concept is illustrated on a 1D patterned graphene heterostructure, where the periodic spatial modulation of SOC is shown to give rise to a rich mini-band structure with massless and massive Dirac bands carrying large Berry curvature. The envisaged systems support robust spin Hall responses driven by the quantum geometry of mini-bands, which can be tailored through metasurface fabrication methods and twisting effects. These findings suggest new pathways to 2D quantum material design and low-power spintronic applications.