Quantum Hall effects

Abstract

It is explained how plateaux are seen in the Hall conductance of two dimensional electron gases, at cryogenic temperatures, when the magnetic field is scanned from zero to ~10T. On a Hall plateau σ‎xy = ne 2/h, where n is integral, while the longitudinal conductance vanishes. This is the integral quantum Hall effect. Free electrons in such devices are shown to occupy quantized Landau levels, analogous to classical cyclotron orbits. The stability of the IQHE is shown to be associated with a mobility gap rather than an energy gap. The analysis showing the topological origin of the IQHE is reproduced. Next the fractional QHE is described: Laughlin’s explanation in terms of an IQHE of quasiparticles is presented. In the absence of any magnetic field, the quantum spin Hall effect is observed, and described here. Time reversal invariance and Kramer pairs are seen to be underlying requirements. It’s topological origin is outlined.