72.25.-b Spin polarized transport (for ballistic magnetoresistance, see 75.47.Jn; for spin polarized transport devices, see 85.75.-d)
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This Thesis explores hybrid structures on the basis of quantum spin Hall insulators, and in particular the interplay of their edge states and superconducting and magnetic order. Quantum spin Hall insulators are one example of topological condensed matter systems, where the topology of the bulk bands is the key for the understanding of their physical properties. A remarkable consequence is the appearance of states at the boundary of the system, a phenomenon coined bulk-boundary correspondence. In the case of the two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulator, this is manifested by so-called helical edge states of counter-propagating electrons with opposite spins. They hold great promise, \emph{e.g.}, for applications in spintronics -- a paradigm for the transmission and manipulation of information based on spin instead of charge -- and as a basis for quantum computers. The beginning of the Thesis consists of an introduction to one-dimensional topological superconductors, which illustrates basic concepts and ideas. In particular, this includes the topological distinction of phases and the accompanying appearance of Majorana modes at their ends. Owing to their topological origin, Majorana modes potentially are essential building-blocks for topological quantum computation, since they can be exploited for protected operations on quantum bits. The helical edge states of quantum spin Hall insulators in conjunction with $s$-wave superconductivity and magnetism are a suitable candidate for the realization of a one-dimensional topological superconductor. Consequently, this Thesis investigates the conditions in which Majorana modes can appear. Typically, this happens between regions subjected to either only superconductivity, or to both superconductivity and magnetism. If more than one superconductor is present, the phase difference is of paramount importance, and can even be used to manipulate and move Majorana modes. Furthermore, the Thesis addresses the effects of the helical edge states on the anomalous correlation functions characterizing proximity-induced superconductivity. It is found that helicity and magnetism profoundly enrich their physical structure and lead to unconventional, exotic pairing amplitudes. Strikingly, the nonlocal correlation functions can be connected to the Majorana bound states within the system. Finally, a possible thermoelectric device on the basis of hybrid systems at the quantum spin Hall edge is discussed. It utilizes the peculiar properties of the proximity-induced superconductivity in order to create spin-polarized Cooper pairs from a temperature bias. Cooper pairs with finite net spin are the cornerstone of superconducting spintronics and offer tremendous potential for efficient information technologies.
2-Punkt Transportmessungen, die in der Vergangenheit an ZnSe-basierenden DMS/NMS/DMS Multischichtsystemem durchgeführt wurden, zeigten eine 25-prozentige Erhöhung des Widerstandes beim Übergang vom unpolarisierten in den polarisierten Zustand des DMS. Dieser Magnetowiderstandseffekt wurde durch elektrische Spininjektion in den NMS erklärt. In dieser Arbeit wird zunächst anhand von 4-Punkt Transportmessungen an miniaturisierten, elektronenstrahllithographisch gefertigten DMS/NMS/DMS Strukturen dieser Widerstandseffekt näher untersucht, um eine Bestimmung der Spinrelaxationslänge im nichtmagnetischen II-VI Halbleiter zu erlauben. Aufgrund der im Rahmen dieser Experimente erhaltenen Ergebnisse muss jedoch die Verknüpfung des positiven Magnetowiderstandseffekts mit der elektrischen Spininjektion in den NMS des Multischichtsystems revidiert werden. Im weiteren Verlauf der Arbeit werden Strukturen mit Abmessungen in der Größenordnung von 1 µm hergestellt und gemessen, mit deren Hilfe ein eindeutiger Nachweis der elektrischen Spininjektion in einen nichtmagnetischen Halbleiter mittels Transportmessungen ermöglicht wird. Mit diesen Resultaten kann eine oberer Grenzwert für die Spinfliplänge in ZnBeSe von 100 nm abgeschätzt werden.