Non-equilibrium fractional quantum Hall states visualized by optically detected MRI

Abstract

Using photoluminescence microscopy enhanced by MRI, we visualize in real space both electron and nuclear polarization occurring in non-equilibrium FQH liquids. We observe stripe-like regions comprising FQH excited states which discretely form when the FQH liquid is excited by a source-drain current. These regions are topologically protected and deformable, and give rise to bidirectionally polarized nuclear spins as spin-resolved electrons flow across their boundaries.