Collapse of the fractional quantum Hall state by a unidirectional periodic potential modulation

TL;DR

This study explores how a unidirectional periodic potential affects fractional quantum Hall states, revealing suppression of odd-numerator states and potential phase transitions, advancing understanding of quantum Hall phenomena under modulation.

Contribution

It demonstrates the modulation-induced suppression of odd-numerator FQH states and suggests a phase transition mechanism within the composite fermion framework.

Findings

Odd-numerator FQH states are strongly suppressed by modulation.

Even-numerator FQH states are less affected or enhanced.

Possible transition from FQH to stripe state due to modulation.

Abstract

We have investigated the effect of unidirectional periodic potential modulation on the fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states located within the filling factor range $1<\nu<2$. We find that odd-numerator FQH states are strongly suppressed, while the even-numerator ones are less affected or even enhanced, by the introduction of the modulation. In the picture of the composite fermions (CFs), the behaviors are equivalent to the suppression of the spin splitting of the CFs by the modulation. We discuss the origin of the suppression and the possible modulation-induced phase transition from the FQH state to the stripe state.