Mechanism of plateau formation in the quantum Hall effect

• DOI: 10.1007/bf01319379
• Publication Date: 2005-03-26T05:40:42Z
• Authors: H. Bruus; O. P. Hansen; E. B. Hansen
• Keywords: Magnetic flux quantum

As the magnetic flux is increased (decreased) relative to the mid-plateau value by a given number of flux quanta, the 2-dimensional electron liquid responds by forming the same number of vortices (antivortices). Assuming the vortices (antivortices) to be pinned, we show that with a transport current flowing by, the pinning centres exert a force on the electron liquid. Inclusion of this force in a force balance equation for the electron liquid explains the formation of plateaus within the FQHE. The possibility of generalizing the theory to the IQHE is discussed.