The transverse magnetoresistance of the two-dimensional chiral metal

Journal article

We consider the two-dimensional chiral metal, which exists at the surface of a layered, three-dimensional sample exhibiting the integer quantum Hall effect. We calculate its magnetoresistance in response to a component of magnetic field perpendicular to the sample surface, in the low temperature, but macroscopic, regime where inelastic scattering may be neglected. The magnetoresistance is positive, following a Drude form with a field scale, $B_0=\Phi_0/al_{\text{el}}$, given by the transverse field strength at which one quantum of flux, $\Phi_0$, passes through a rectangle with sides set by the layer-spacing, $a$, and the elastic mean free path, $l_{\text{el}}$. Experimental measurement of this magnetoresistance may therefore provide a direct determination of the elastic mean free path in the chiral metal.

Authors: Chalker, J; Sondhi, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Phys. Rev. B
• Volume: 59
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 4999
• Publication date: 1998-09-22
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.59.4999
• EISSN: 1095-3795
• ISSN: 1098-0121
• Language: English
• Keywords: cond-mat.mes-hall