Spin texture of the tri-layer cuprate Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10

Until recently spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in cuprate superconductors has been neglected as a significant driving factor of exotic phases. Recent reports on spin polarization in the Bi family of cuprates have challenged this assumption and posed questions on the role of SOC in the superconducting phase diagram. In this study we use ARPES and spin-resolved ARPES to characterize the nodal region of the Fermi surface of Bi-2223. We present our observations on the band splitting between the inner and outer CuO2 planes, and spin polarization of these bands. Finally, we compare our results with reports of other Bi cuprates, and discuss possible scenarios to explain the observed spin texture.