Where are the edge-states near the quantum point contacts? A self-consistent approach
Date
2007Source Title
Physica E
Print ISSN
1386-9477
Electronic ISSN
1873-1759
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Volume
40
Pages
1160 - 1162
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Abstract
In this work, we calculate the current distribution, in the close vicinity of the quantum point contacts (QPCs), taking into account the
Coulomb interaction. In the first step, we calculate the bare confinement potential of a generic QPC and, in the presence of a
perpendicular magnetic field, obtain the positions of the incompressible edge states (IES) taking into account electron–electron
interaction within the Thomas–Fermi theory of screening. Using a local version of Ohm’s law, together with a relevant conductivity
model, we also calculate the current distribution. We observe that, the imposed external current is confined locally into the
incompressible strips. Our calculations demonstrate that, the inclusion of the electron–electron interaction, strongly changes the general
picture of the transport through the QPCs.
Keywords
Edge statesQuantum Hall effect
Screening
Quantum point contact’s
Mach-Zehnder interferometer