Quantum Hall Interferometers Research Articles

Evidence for correlated electron pairs and triplets in quantum Hall interferometers

The pairing of electrons is ubiquitous in electronic systems featuring attractive inter–electron interactions, as exemplified in superconductors. Counterintuitively, it can also be mediated in certain circumstances by the repulsive Coulomb interaction alone. Quantum Hall (QH) Fabry–Pérot interferometers (FPIs) tailored in a two–dimensional electron gas under a perpendicular magnetic field have been argued to exhibit such an unusual electron pairing, seemingly without attractive interactions. Here, we show evidence in graphene QH FPIs, revealing not only a similar electron pairing at bulk filling factor νB = 2, but also an unforeseen emergence of electron tripling characterized by a fractional Aharonov–Bohm flux period of h/3e (h is the Planck constant and e the electron charge) at νB = 3. Leveraging plunger–gate spectroscopy, we demonstrate that electron pairing (tripling) involves correlated charge transport on two (three) entangled QH edge channels. This spectroscopy indicates a quantum interference flux periodicity determined by the sum of the phases acquired by the distinct QH edge channels having slightly different interfering areas. Phase jumps observed in the pajama maps can be accounted for by the frequency beating between pairing/tripling modes and the outer interfering edge.

Dissipation and dephasing in quantum Hall interferometers

Dissipation and dephasing in quantum Hall interferometers

Strongly coupled edge states in a graphene quantum Hall interferometer

Electronic interferometers using the chiral, one-dimensional (1D) edge channels of the quantum Hall effect (QHE) can demonstrate a wealth of fundamental phenomena. The recent observation of phase jumps in a Fabry-Pérot (FP) interferometer revealed anyonic quasiparticle exchange statistics in the fractional QHE. When multiple integer edge channels are involved, FP interferometers have exhibited anomalous Aharonov-Bohm (AB) interference frequency doubling, suggesting putative pairing of electrons into 2e\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\boldsymbol{2}}}{{\\boldsymbol{e}}}$$\\end{document} quasiparticles. Here, we use a highly tunable graphene-based QHE FP interferometer to observe the connection between interference phase jumps and AB frequency doubling, unveiling how strong repulsive interaction between edge channels leads to the apparent pairing phenomena. By tuning electron density in-situ from filling factor ν<2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\boldsymbol{\ u }}} \\, < \\, {{\\boldsymbol{2}}}$$\\end{document} to ν>7\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\boldsymbol{\ u }}} \\, > \\, {{\\boldsymbol{7}}}$$\\end{document}, we tune the interaction strength and observe periodic interference phase jumps leading to AB frequency doubling. Our observations demonstrate that the combination of repulsive interaction between the spin-split ν=2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\boldsymbol{\ u }}}={{\\boldsymbol{2}}}$$\\end{document} edge channels and charge quantization is sufficient to explain the frequency doubling, through a near-perfect charge screening between the localized and extended edge channels. Our results show that interferometers are sensitive probes of microscopic interactions and enable future experiments studying correlated electrons in 1D channels using density-tunable graphene.

Anomalous Aharonov-Bohm Interference in the Presence of Edge Reconstruction.

Interferometry is a vital tool for studying fundamental features in the quantum Hall effect. For instance, Aharonov-Bohm interference in a quantum Hall interferometer can probe the wave-particle duality of electrons and quasiparticles. Here, we report an unusual Aharonov-Bohm interference of the outermost edge mode in a quantum Hall Fabry-Pérot interferometer, whose Coulomb interactions were suppressed with a grounded drain in the interior bulk of the interferometer. In a descending bulk filling factor from ν_{b}=3 to ν_{b}≈(5/3), the magnetic field periodicity, which corresponded to a single "flux quantum," agreed accurately with the enclosed area of the interferometer. However, in the filling range, ν_{b}≈(5/3) to ν_{b}=1, the field periodicity increased markedly, apriori suggesting a drastic shrinkage of the Aharonov-Bohm area. Moreover, the modulation gate voltage periodicity decreased abruptly at this range. We attribute these unexpected observations to edge reconstruction, leading to area changing with the field and a modified modulation gate-edge capacitance. These reproducible results support future interference experiments with a quantum Hall Fabry-Pérot interferometer.

Polarization-selective equilibration and quantum interference in graphene-based quantum Hall edge states

Quantum Hall (QH) edge states in two-dimensional electron gas systems have drawn attention as potential carriers of quantum information, owing to their chiral ballistic nature, arising from Landau level formation under a strong perpendicular magnetic field. They remain stable even in the presence of material disorder, making them ideal for phase-sensitive measurements like QH interferometry. We report the equilibration processes between electron waves in spin and valley polarized QH edge states, particularly in a four-terminal measurement configuration. We compare experimental results with theoretical estimations based on the Landauer formula, taking into account selective equilibration depending on spin polarization. Furthermore, quantum interference in co-propagating QH edge states is investigated, elucidating how factors such as magnetic fields, voltage bias, and gate configurations influence quantum phase. The research offers insights into the controllability of interactions between QH edge states, vital for harnessing the potential of graphene in QH interferometers and quantum information processing.

Fractional Jumps in Quantum Hall Interferometer

Fractional Jumps in Quantum Hall Interferometer

Charge Oscillations in Bilayer Graphene Quantum Confinement Devices.

Quantum confinement structures are building blocks of quantum devices in fundamental physics exploration and technological applications. In this work, we fabricate dual-gated bilayer graphene Fabry-Pérot quantum Hall interferometers employing two different gating strategies and conduct finite element simulations to understand the electrostatics of the confinement structures and to guide device design and fabrication. We observe two types of resistance oscillations arising from the charging of quantum dots formed inside the interferometers. We obtain the size, location, and charging energy of the dots by measuring the dependence of the oscillations on the magnetic field, gate voltages, and dc bias. We analyze and discuss the origin of the quantum dots and their impact on quantum Hall edge state backscattering and interference. Insights gained in these studies shed light on the construction of van der Waals quantum confinement devices.

Progress measuring fractional quantum numbers in quantum Hall interferometers

Progress measuring fractional quantum numbers in quantum Hall interferometers

Quantum Hall Bogoliubov interferometer

A quantum Hall interferometer containing a grounded superconducting terminal is proposed. This geometry allows to control the Andreev and normal scattering amplitudes of subgap Bogoliubov quasiparticles with the Aharonov-Bohm phase, as well as with the constrictions defining the interferometer loop. The conductance matrix of such a three-terminal NSN interference device exhibits a much richer behavior as compared to its two-terminal Fabry-P\'erot counterpart, which is illustrated by nontrivial behavior of nonlocal charge and heat responses. A single-edge version of the interferometer enables full on-demand control of the electron-hole superposition, including resonant enhancement of arbitrary small Andreev reflection probability up to 1, and can be used as a building block in future more complex interference setups.

Graphene-Based Quantum Hall Interferometer with Self-Aligned Side Gates.

The vanishing band gap of graphene has long presented challenges for making high-quality quantum point contacts (QPCs)─the partially transparent p-n interfaces introduced by conventional split gates tend to short circuit the QPCs. This complication has hindered the fabrication of graphene quantum Hall Fabry-Pérot interferometers, until recent advances have allowed split-gate QPCs to operate utilizing the highly resistive ν = 0 state. Here, we present a simple recipe to fabricate QPCs by etching a narrow trench in the graphene sheet to separate the conducting channel from self-aligned graphene side gates. We demonstrate operation of the individual QPCs in the quantum Hall regime and further utilize these QPCs to create and study a quantum Hall interferometer.

Revisiting Coulomb diamond signatures in quantum Hall interferometers

Coulomb diamonds are the archetypal signatures of Coulomb blockade, a well-known charging effect mainly observed in nanometer-sized "electronic islands" tunnel-coupled with charge reservoirs. Here, we identify apparent Coulomb diamond features in the scanning gate spectroscopy of a quantum point contact carved out of a semiconductor heterostructure, in the quantum Hall regime. Varying the scanning gate parameters and the magnetic field, the diamonds are found to smoothly evolve to checkerboard patterns. To explain this surprising behavior, we put forward a model which relies on the presence of a nanometer-sized Fabry-P\'erot quantum Hall interferometer at the center of the constriction with tunable tunneling paths coupling the central part of the interferometer to the quantum Hall channels running along the device edges. Both types of signatures, diamonds and checkerboards, and the observed transition, are reproduced by simply varying the interferometer size and the transmission probabilities at the tunneling paths. The new proposed interpretation of diamond phenomenology will likely lead to revisit previous data, and opens the way towards engineering more complex interferometric devices with nanoscale dimensions.

Impact of bulk-edge coupling on observation of anyonic braiding statistics in quantum Hall interferometers

Quantum Hall interferometers have been used to probe fractional charge and statistics of quasiparticles. We present measurements of a small Fabry–Perot interferometer in which the electrostatic coupling constants which affect interferometer behavior can be determined experimentally. Near the center of the ν = 1/3 state this device exhibits Aharonov–Bohm interference interrupted by a few discrete phase jumps, and Φ0 oscillations at higher and lower magnetic fields, consistent with theoretical predictions for detection of anyonic statistics. We estimate the electrostatic parameters KI and KIL by two methods: using the ratio of oscillation periods in compressible versus incompressible regions, and from finite-bias conductance measurements. We find that the extracted KI and KIL can account for the deviation of the phase jumps from the theoretical anyonic phase θa = 2π/3. At integer states, we find that KI and KIL can account for the Aharonov–Bohm and Coulomb-dominated behavior of different edge states.

Aharonov-Bohm effect in graphene-based Fabry-Pérot quantum Hall interferometers.

Interferometers probe the wave-nature and exchange statistics of indistinguishable particles-for example, electrons in the chiral one-dimensional edge channels of the quantum Hall effect (QHE). Quantum point contacts can split and recombine these channels, enabling interference of charged particles. Such quantum Hall interferometers (QHIs) can unveil the exchange statistics of anyonic quasi-particles in the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE). Here, we present a fabrication technique for QHIs in van der Waals (vdW) materials and realize a tunable, graphene-based Fabry-Pérot (FP) QHI. The graphite-encapsulated architecture allows observation of FQHE at a magnetic field of 3T and precise partitioning of integer and fractional edge modes. We measure pure Aharonov-Bohm interference in the integer QHE, a major technical challenge in small FP interferometers, and find that edge modes exhibit high-visibility interference due to large velocities. Our results establish vdW heterostructures as a versatile alternative to GaAs-based interferometers for future experiments targeting anyonic quasi-particles.

A tunable Fabry-Pérot quantum Hall interferometer in graphene.

Electron interferometry with quantum Hall edge channels in semiconductor heterostructures can probe and harness the exchange statistics of anyonic excitations. However, charging effects present in semiconductors often obscured the Aharonov-Bohm interference in quantum Hall interferometers and make advanced charge screening strategies necessary. Here, we show that high-mobility monolayer graphene constitutes an alternative material system, not affected by charging effects, to perform Fabry-Pérot quantum Hall interferometry in the integer quantum Hall regime. In devices equipped with gate-tunable quantum point contacts acting on the edge channels of the zeroth Landau level, we observe high-visibility Aharonov-Bohm interference widely tunable through electrostatic gating or magnetic field, in agreement with theory. A coherence length of 10 μm at a temperature of 0.02 K allows us to further achieve coherently-coupled double Fabry-Pérot interferometry. In future, quantum Hall interferometry with graphene devices may enable investigations of anyonic excitations in fractional quantum Hall states.

Aharonov-Bohm effect in graphene-based Fabry–Pérot quantum Hall interferometers

Aharonov-Bohm effect in graphene-based Fabry–Pérot quantum Hall interferometers

Flux Superperiods and Periodicity Transitions in Quantum Hall Interferometers

For strongly screened Coulomb interactions, quantum Hall interferometers can operate in a novel regime: the intrinsic energy gap can be larger than the charging energy, and addition of flux quanta can occur without adding quasiparticles. We show that flux superperiods are possible and reconcile their appearance with the Byers-Yang theorem. We explain that the observation of anyonic statistical phases is possible by tuning to the transition from a regime with constant chemical potential to a regime with constant particle density, where a flux superperiod changes to a periodicity with one flux quantum at a critical magnetic field strength.

Observation of quantum Hall interferometer phase jumps due to a change in the number of bulk quasiparticles

We measure the magneto-conductance through a micron-sized quantum dot hosting about 500 electrons in the quantum Hall regime. In the Coulomb blockade, when the island is weakly coupled to source and drain contacts, edge reconstruction at filling factors between one and two in the dot leads to the formation of two compressible regions tunnel coupled via an incompressible region of filling factor $\nu=1$. We interpret the resulting conductance pattern in terms of a phase diagram of stable charge in the two compressible regions. Increasing the coupling of the dot to source and drain, we realize a Fabry-P\'{e}rot quantum Hall interferometer, which shows an interference pattern strikingly similar to the phase diagram in the Coulomb blockade regime. We interpret this experimental finding using an empirical model adapted from the Coulomb blockaded to the interferometer case. The model allows us to relate the observed abrupt jumps of the Fabry-P\'{e}rot interferometer phase to a change in the number of bulk quasiparticles. This opens up an avenue for the investigation of phase shifts due to (fractional) charge redistributions in future experiments on similar devices.

Coulomb-Dominated Oscillations in Fabry–Perot Quantum Hall Interferometers**Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China under Grant No 2014CB920904, the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No 91221203, and the Strategic Priority Research Program B of the Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant No XDB07010200.

Periodic resistance oscillations in Fabry–Perot quantum Hall interferometers are observed at integer filling factors of the constrictions, fc = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Rather than the Aharonov–Bohm interference, these oscillations are attributed to the Coulomb interactions between interfering edge states and localized states in the central island of an interferometer, as confirmed by the observation of a positive slope for the lines of constant oscillation phase in the image plot of resistance in the B–VS plane. Similar resistance oscillations are also observed when the area A of the center regime and the backscattering probability of interfering edge states are varied, by changing the side-gate voltages and the configuration of the quantum point contacts, respectively. The oscillation amplitudes decay exponentially with temperature in the range of 40 mK < T ≤ 130 mK, with a characteristic temperature T0 ∼ 25 mK, consistent with recent theoretical and experimental works.

Reprint of : Thermodynamic properties of a quantum Hall anti-dot interferometer

We study quantum Hall interferometers in which the interference loop encircles a quantum anti-dot. We base our study on thermodynamic considerations, which we believe reflect the essential aspects of interference transport phenomena. We find that similar to the more conventional Fabry–Perot quantum Hall interferometers, in which the interference loop forms a quantum dot, the anti-dot interferometer is affected by the electro-static Coulomb interaction between the edge modes defining the loop. We show that in the Aharonov–Bohm regime, in which effects of fractional statistics should be visible, is easier to access in interferometers based on anti-dots than in those based on dots. We discuss the relevance of our results to recent measurements on anti-dots interferometers.

Thermodynamic properties of a quantum Hall anti-dot interferometer

We study quantum Hall interferometers in which the interference loop encircles a quantum anti-dot. We base our study on thermodynamic considerations, which we believe reflect the essential aspects of interference transport phenomena. We find that similar to the more conventional Fabry–Perot quantum Hall interferometers, in which the interference loop forms a quantum dot, the anti-dot interferometer is affected by the electro-static Coulomb interaction between the edge modes defining the loop. We show that in the Aharonov–Bohm regime, in which effects of fractional statistics should be visible, is easier to access in interferometers based on anti-dots than in those based on dots. We discuss the relevance of our results to recent measurements on anti-dots interferometers.