Topologically non-trivial valley states in bilayer graphene quantum point contacts

TL;DR

This paper reports on the observation of quantized conductance and valley-dependent degeneracy lifting in bilayer graphene quantum point contacts under magnetic fields, revealing intricate valley and spin interactions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the control and measurement of valley states in bilayer graphene QPCs, showing how magnetic fields lift valley degeneracy and produce complex conductance patterns.

Findings

Valley degeneracy is lifted by magnetic field in bilayer graphene QPCs.

Fourfold degeneracy reemerges in the quantum Hall regime.

Levels from different valleys shift linearly and form interweaving patterns.

Abstract

We present measurements of quantized conductance in electrostatically induced quantum point contacts in bilayer graphene. The application of a perpendicular magnetic field leads to an intricate pattern of lifted and restored degeneracies with increasing field: at zero magnetic field the degeneracy of quantized one-dimensional subbands is four, because of a twofold spin and a twofold valley degeneracy. By switching on the magnetic field, the valley degeneracy is lifted. Due to the Berry curvature states from different valleys split linearly in magnetic field. In the quantum Hall regime fourfold degenerate conductance plateaus reemerge. During the adiabatic transition to the quantum Hall regime, levels from one valley shift by two in quantum number with respect to the other valley, forming an interweaving pattern that can be reproduced by numerical calculations.