Non-linear Resistivity of a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas in a Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding the nonlinear electrical response of a two-dimensional electron gas in a strong magnetic field, highlighting the roles of non-equilibrium distributions and resonance effects.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive theory that explains the nonlinear current-voltage behavior in 2DEG under strong magnetic fields, considering relaxation rates and resonance phenomena.

Findings

Nonlinear current-voltage characteristics arise at weak electric fields.

Non-equilibrium electron distributions contribute to non-linearity.

Geometrical resonance affects inter-Landau-level transition rates.

Abstract

We develop a theory of nonlinear response to an electric field of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) placed in a classically strong magnetic field. The latter leads to a non-linear current-voltage characteristic at a relatively weak electric field. The origin of the non-linearity is two-fold: the formation of a non-equilibrium electron distribution function, and the geometrical resonance in the inter-Landau-levels transitions rates. We find the dependence of the current-voltage characteristics on the electron relaxation rates in the 2DEG.