On the (circular) polarization-independence of microwave-induced resistance oscillations and zero resistance state

TL;DR

This paper investigates why microwave-induced resistance oscillations and zero resistance states in 2D electron systems are insensitive to microwave polarization, proposing a spontaneous electron fluid motion as the stabilizing mechanism supported by self-consistent calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical explanation for polarization insensitivity in microwave-induced resistance phenomena, supported by self-consistent modeling.

Findings

Qualitative agreement with experimental polarization insensitivity

Spontaneous electron fluid motion stabilizes resistance oscillations

Theoretical model captures key experimental features

Abstract

The immunity of microwave-induced magneto-resistance oscillations and corresponding zero resistance regions to the direction of (circular) polarization of microwave is studied in this paper. We propose that a spontaneous circular motion of the whole electron fluid would stabilize the system and minimize the polarization sensitivity of the oscillatory DC resistance. Results of a self-consistent calculation capture the qualitative features of the experimental observation.