On the Theory of Magnetotransport in a Periodically Modulated Two-Dimensional Electron Gas

TL;DR

This paper develops a semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory to explain magnetoresistivity oscillations in a modulated two-dimensional electron gas, attributing them to classical geometric resonances.

Contribution

It introduces a new semiclassical framework for understanding magnetotransport in modulated 2D electron gases, emphasizing classical geometric resonances.

Findings

Magnetoresistivity oscillations are explained as classical geometric resonances.

Oscillations occur at moderate magnetic fields due to commensurability effects.

The theory aligns with observed experimental behaviors.

Abstract

A semiclassical theory based on the Boltzmann transport equation for a two-dimensional electron gas modulated along one direction with weak electrostatic or magnetic modulations is proposed. It is shown that oscillations of the magnetoresistivity $ \rho_{||} $ corresponding to the current driven along the modulation lines observed at moderately low magnetic fields, can be explained as classical geometric resonances reflecting the commensurability of the period of spatial modulations and the cyclotron radius of electrons.