Inter-Edge interaction in the Quantum Hall Effect

TL;DR

This paper investigates how interactions between electrons on opposite edges of a narrow sample affect edge mode propagation in the quantum Hall effect, with implications for understanding inter-edge electron interactions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of spatially varying inter-edge interactions causing backward scattering of edge excitations in quantum Hall systems.

Findings

Backward scattering due to inter-edge interactions affects edge mode propagation.

Experiments with constrictions can measure inter-edge interaction strength.

Spatial variation of interactions influences collective excitation behavior.

Abstract

We consider effects of the interaction between electrons drifting along the opposite sides of a narrow sample under the conditions of the quantum Hall effect. A spatial variation of this interaction leads to backward scattering of collective excitations propagating along the edges. Experiments on propagation of the edge modes in samples with constrictions may give information about the strength of the inter-edge electron interaction in the quantum Hall regime.