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Evidence for two different solid phases of two-dimensional electrons in high magnetic fields
Yong P Chen1, R M Lewis, L W Engel
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|December 17, 2004
Summary
Two distinct pinned electron solid phases were identified in high magnetic field 2D electron systems. These phases, labeled A and B, exhibit unique radiofrequency resonance behaviors and varying correlation lengths.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Hall Effect Studies
Background:
- High-quality two-dimensional electron systems (2DES) in high magnetic fields exhibit complex insulating phases.
- Understanding the nature of these insulating phases is crucial for advancing condensed matter physics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radiofrequency (rf) conductivity in the high magnetic field insulating phase of 2DES.
- To identify and characterize different pinned electron solid phases within this regime.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of frequency-dependent real diagonal conductivity in 2DES.
- Analysis of rf resonance features and their dependence on Landau level filling factor (ν).
- Investigation of resonance dispersion with respect to transmission line size.
Main Results:
- Observation of two distinct rf resonances, labeled A and B, corresponding to different pinned electron solid phases.
- Phase A is observed for ν < 2/9, reentrant around ν=1/5 fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE), and shows dispersion indicating a large correlation length.
- Phase B dominates at lower ν, suggesting a distinct solid phase.
Conclusions:
- The observed resonances are attributed to two different pinned electron solid phases.
- Quantum correlations, potentially related to FQHE mechanisms, are suggested to play a role in forming these distinct solid phases.