Formula for the widths of quantum-Hall-effect plateaus

Abstract

We derive an empirical formula for the width of quantum Hall effect plateaus which is free of adjustable parameters. It describes the integer, fractional and $ν= 0$ (Wigner insulator) quantum Hall effect in single heterojunctions. The temperature scale of the existence of these three phenomena is the same as the melting temperature of a classical Wigner crystal. We conclude that the basic assumption of the current theory of QHE that the plateau width is determined by the disorder is highly improbable.