Theoretical investigation of the electron velocity in quantum Hall bars, in the out of linear response regime

Abstract

We report on our theoretical investigation of the electron velocity in (narrow) quantum-Hall systems, considering the out-of-linear-response regime. The electrostatic properties of the electron system are obtained by the Thomas-Fermi-Poisson nonlinear screening theory. The electron velocity distribution as a function of the lateral coordinate is obtained from the slope of the screened potential within the incompressible strips (ISs). The asymmetry induced by the imposed current on the ISs is investigated, as a function of the current intensity and impurity concentration. We find that the width of the IS on one side of the sample increases linearly with the intensity of the applied current and decreases with the impurity concentration.