Edge states and trajectories in quantum dots: Probing the quantum-classical transition

D. K. Ferry, R. Akis, J. P. Bird

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Edge states have been a backbone of our understanding of the experimental basis of the quantum Hall effect for quite some time. Interestingly, this comprises a quantum system with well defined currents and particle trajectories. The role of trajectories in quantum mechanics has been a problematic question of interpretation for quite some time, and the open quantum dot is a natural system in which to probe this question. Contrary to early speculation, a set of well defined quantum states survives in the open quantum dot. These states are the pointer states and provide a transition into the classical states that can be found in these structures. These states provide resonances, which are observable as oscillatory behavior in the magnetoconductance of the dots. But, they have well defined current directions within the dots. Consequently, one expects trajectories to be a property of these states as well. As one crosses from the low to the high field regime, quite steady trajectories and consequent wave functions can easily be identified and examined. In this talk, we review the current understanding and the support for the decoherence theory.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1278-1287
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Modern Physics B
Volume21
Issue number8-9
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 10 2007

Keywords

  • Conductance
  • Einselection
  • Pointer states
  • Quantum states

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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