A Model for the Voltage Steps in the Breakdown of the Integer Quantum Hall Effect

A. M. Martin, K. A. Benedict, F. W. Sheard, L. Eaves

Published 2002-01-29, updated 2003-03-11Version 2

In samples used to maintain the US resistance standard the breakdown of the dissipationless integer quantum Hall effect occurs as a series of dissipative voltage steps. A mechanism for this type of breakdown is proposed, based on the generation of magneto-excitons when the quantum Hall fluid flows past an ionised impurity above a critical velocity. The calculated generation rate gives a voltage step height in good agreement with measurements on both electron and hole gases. We also compare this model to a hydrodynamic description of breakdown.