Observation of Aharonov-Bohm electron interference effects with periods h/e and h/2e in individual micron-size, normal-metal rings.

Abstract

We report resistance oscillations as a function of magnetic field for individual aluminum and silver thin-film rings, 1-2 \ensuremath{\mu}m in diameter, between 1.2 and 10 K. This is the first observation in single rings of oscillations with a flux period of $\frac{h}{2e}$ predicted by Al'tshuler et al. Oscillations periodic in $\frac{h}{e}$ are also seen in the 1-\ensuremath{\mu}m Ag rings at higher fields. These electron interference effects in metal rings are the solid-state analog of the Aharonov-Bohm effect for electrons in vacuum.