Wannier-Stark localization, confinement and edge states

Abstract

The boundary between a system's bulk and the vacuum can be modeled by a potential which confines the electrons to the bulk. Here we present the example of the Wannier-Stark linear potential, generated by an electric field along one axis of a two-dimensional lattice. Along that axis, the potential generates electronic states which are localized around each lattice site, with eigenenergies which form the Wannier-Stark ladder. In the transverse direction, the states are governed by a tight binding model with free Bloch states. In the ground state, filling these states under the Pauli principle generates an insulating bulk and an edge which can be metallic in the transverse direction. This paper explains the concepts of localization, localization length, filling and confinement. The paper also acquaints the readers with the use of Bessel functions in the solution of a simple physical model. These topics can be easily included in courses on solid state physics, and only require prior knowledge of quantum mechanics.