The Barnett vs. Landau levels in the rotating two-dimensional electron gas

TL;DR

This paper explores how mechanical rotation affects the electronic properties of a two-dimensional electron gas, revealing unique energy levels called Barnett levels and their magnetic responses, distinct from traditional Landau levels.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of Barnett levels in a rotating 2D electron gas and analyzes their non-degenerate nature and magnetic response, contrasting with Landau levels.

Findings

Barnett levels are non-degenerate energy eigenvalues in rotating systems.

Rotation induces a paramagnetic magnetic response in the electron gas.

Rotation does not lead to charge redistribution due to quantum suppression of centrifugal forces.

Abstract

We investigate magnetization induced by mechanical rotation, known as the Barnett effect, in the two-dimensional electron gas. The energy eigenvalues of the rotating system (Barnett levels) are non-degenerate, thereby differ from Landau levels in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic response caused by the coupling of the Barnett gauge field to both the electron spin and orbital degree of freedom is found to be paramagnetic. Surprisingly, rotation does not cause any charge redistribution, i.e. in the two-dimensional electron gas centrifugal forces are quantum mechanically suppressed.