Evidence for a quantum phase with macroscopic orbit-like quantum states similar to the current-carrying edging states in integer quantum Hall system

Abstract

By the method of intense terahertz laser spectroscopy, we provide strong evidence that if an integer quantum Hall (IQH) system has asymmetric confining potential and the external quantizing magnetic field has a nonzero in-plane component, then a quantum phase may arise with spatially-ordered quasi-one-dimensional orbit-like states similar to the current-carrying edging states in conventional IQH system. The emergence of the phase may be interpreted in terms of a quantum phase transition from the IQH system, which is accompanied by the breaking of translational symmetry in the direction of the in-plane magnetic field. As a result, we get a fully-correlated macroscopic quantum object that gives one a unique opportunity to test the foundations of quantum mechanics (QM) at a macroscopic level. In particular, by means of this object, we show experimentally that the concept of quantum spatial dynamics of electrons without a definable trajectory remains relevant in the macro-world in accordance with the foundations of standard QM while an alternative description of such dynamics in terms of so-called Bohmian trajectories appears untenable.