Spin-flip scattering in ZnTe—theoretical

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±0.15 and g=2.14±0.20 in spherical approximation. The shallowest-light-hole value is found to be g=2.33±0.40 in spherical approximation. Calculations are also presented for the magnetic field in the [111] crystallographic direction, and the magnetic field in the (11̄0) 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.