Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in the local density of states

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how magnetic fields influence electron interference patterns in metals, observable through local density of states modulations, using a nanoscale Aharonov-Bohm interferometer setup.

Contribution

It introduces a method to detect Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in the local density of states using a simple STM-based interferometer.

Findings

Electron scattering modulations are affected by magnetic fields.

STM setup can serve as a nanoscale Aharonov-Bohm interferometer.

Potential for probing quantum interference effects in metals.

Abstract

The scattering of electrons with inhomogeneities produces modulations in the local density of states of a metal. We show that electron interference contributions to these modulations are affected by the magnetic field via the Aharonov-Bohm effect. This can be exploited in a simple STM setup that serves as an Aharonov-Bohm interferometer at the nanometer scale.