Distribution of equilibrium edge currents

TL;DR

This paper investigates how equilibrium edge current density in a 2D electron system varies near the edge under strong magnetic fields, revealing oscillations, decay, and temperature effects linked to Landau levels.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of edge current distribution, including oscillatory behavior and the influence of Landau level occupation in a quantizing magnetic field.

Findings

Edge current density oscillates and decays with distance from the edge.

Oscillations are related to the Fermi wavelength of electrons.

Temperature suppresses the oscillations.

Abstract

We have studied the distribution of equilibrium edge current density in 2D system in a strong (quantizing) magnetic field. The case of half plane in normal magnetic field has been considered. The transition from classical strong magnetic field to ultraquantum limit has been investigated. We have shown that the edge current density oscillates and decays with distance from the edge. The oscillations have been attributed to the Fermi wavelength of electrons. The additional component of the current smoothly depending on the distance but sensitive to the occupation of Landau levels has been found. The temperature suppression of oscillations has been studied.