Tight-binding model for strongly modulated two-dimensional superlattices

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum mechanical model to explain magnetoresistance oscillations in strongly modulated two-dimensional superlattices, surpassing traditional semiclassical approaches and aligning well with experimental data.

Contribution

The authors develop a fully quantum mechanical model for strongly modulated 2D superlattices, providing better explanations for magnetoresistance oscillations than semiclassical models.

Findings

Quantum model matches experimental magnetoresistance data

Explains phenomena beyond semiclassical predictions

Provides intuitive understanding of magnetic breakdown effects

Abstract

Common models describing magnetotransport properties of periodically modulated two--dimensional systems often either directly start from a semiclassical approach or give results well conceivable within the semiclassical framework. Recently, magnetoresistance oscillations have been found on samples with strong unilateral modulation and short period (d=15 nm) which cannot be explained on a semiclassical level (magnetic breakdown). We use a simple fully quantum mechanical model which gives us both magnetoresistance data nicely comparing to the experiments and a good intuitive insight into the effects taking place in the system.