Abstract
As the magnetic flux is increased (decreased) relative to the mid-plateau value by a given number of flux quanta, the 2-dimensional electron liquid responds by forming the same number of vortices (antivortices). Assuming the vortices (antivortices) to be pinned, we show that with a transport current flowing by, the pinning centres exert a force on the electron liquid. Inclusion of this force in a force balance equation for the electron liquid explains the formation of plateaus within the FQHE. The possibility of generalizing the theory to the IQHE is discussed.
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Bruus, H., Hansen, O.P. & Hansen, E.B. Mechanism of plateau formation in the quantum Hall effect. Z. Physik B - Condensed Matter 73, 501–510 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01319379
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01319379