Spin response of 2D electrons to a lateral electric field

The spin orientation of two-dimensional (2D) electrons by a lateral electri c field is considered. The electron dispersion law is assumed to contain li near terms due to the spin-orbit band splitting in an asymmetric quantum we ll. The coefficient of spin orientation in a DC electric field is found. Th e mean electron spin is oriented in the sample plane perpendicularly to the electric field. The interaction of an AC electric field with spins of 2D e lectrons is studied. It is shown that transitions between different spin st ates give rise to a narrow absorption band. These states are mixed with 2D plasmons in the frequency range related to these transitions, with the resu lt being that the plasmon spectrum is modified and a new type of oscillatio ns arises (spin-plasmon polariton). The problem of the generation of spin-p lasmon polaritons by an external field is solved. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Inte rperiodica".