Bound states of a two-dimensional electron gas in inhomogeneous magnetic fields

Abstract

We study the bound states of a two dimensional free electron gas (2DEG) subjected to a perpendicular inhomogeneous magnetic field. An analytical transfer matrix (ATM) based exact quantization formula is derived for magnetic fields that vary (arbitrarily) along one spatial direction. As illustrative examples, we consider (1) a class of symmetric power law magnetic fields confined within a strip, followed by the problem of a (2) 2DEG placed under a thin ferromagnetic film, which are hitherto unexplored. The exact Landau levels for either cases are obtained. Also, the role of the fringing magnetic field (present in the second example) on these levels is discussed.