A dynamic localization of 2D electrons at mesoscopic length scales

TL;DR

This study investigates local magneto-transport in low-density 2D electron systems, revealing a surprising correlation between electron densities in metallic and insulating phases, suggesting a rigid electron distribution at mesoscopic scales.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the spatial distribution of localized states and their relation to electron density in 2D systems at low densities.

Findings

Positive magneto-resistance indicates localized states in the insulating regime.

Unexpected correspondence between electron densities in metallic and insulating phases.

Evidence of a rigid electron distribution at low densities.

Abstract

We have investigated the local magneto-transport in high-quality 2D electron systems at low carrier densities. The positive magneto-resistance in perpendicular magnetic field in the strongly insulating regime has been measured to evaluate the spatial concentration of localized states within a mesoscopic region of the samples. An independent measurement of the electron density within the same region shows an unexpected correspondence between the density of electrons in the metallic regime and that of the localized states in the insulating phase. We have argued that this correspondence manifests a rigid distribution of electrons at low densities.