Weak localization in mesoscopic hole transport: Berry phases and classical correlations

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Berry phases influence weak localization in mesoscopic hole systems, revealing unique magneto-conductance signatures due to heavy-hole light-hole coupling and classical correlations, confirmed by numerical simulations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of intrinsic band coupling and classical correlations in modifying weak localization and symmetry classes in hole transport, a novel insight for mesoscopic physics.

Findings

Berry phase signatures alter weak localization profiles

Classical correlations influence effective symmetry class

Numerical results confirm semiclassical predictions

Abstract

We consider phase-coherent transport through ballistic and diffusive two-dimensional hole systems based on the Kohn-Luttinger Hamiltonian. We show that intrinsic heavy-hole light-hole coupling gives rise to clear-cut signatures of an associated Berry phase in the weak localization which renders the magneto-conductance profile distinctly different from electron transport. Non-universal classical correlations determine the strength of these Berry phase effects and the effective symmetry class, leading even to antilocalization-type features for circular quantum dots and Aharonov-Bohm rings in the absence of additional spin-orbit interaction. Our semiclassical predictions are quantitatively confirmed by numerical transport calculations.