Magnetotransport in a two-dimensional electron system in dc electric fields

W. Zhang, H. -S. Chiang, M. A. Zudov, L. N. Pfeiffer, K. W. West

Published 2006-08-31, updated 2006-12-22Version 3

We report on nonequilibrium transport measurements in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system subject to weak magnetic field and dc excitation. Detailed study of dc-induced magneto-oscillations, first observed by Yang {\em et al}., reveals a resonant condition that is qualitatively different from that reported earlier. In addition, we observe dramatic reduction of resistance induced by a weak dc field in the regime of separated Landau levels. These results demonstrate similarity of transport phenomena in dc-driven and microwave-driven systems and have important implications for ongoing experimental search for predicted quenching of microwave-induced zero-resistance states by a dc current.