  Using first-principles calculations and angle-resolved photoemission, we show
that the spin-orbit interaction leads to a strong splitting of the surface
state bands on low-index surfaces of Bi. The dispersion of the states and the
corresponding Fermi surfaces are profoundly modified in the whole surface
Brillouin zone. We discuss the implications of these findings with respect to a
proposed surface charge density wave on Bi(111) as well as to the surface
screening, surface spin-density waves, electron (hole) dynamics in surface
states, and to possible applications to the spintronics.
