Exploring the fractional quantum Hall effect with electron tunneling

Abstract

In this talk I present a summary of recent work on tunnel junctions of a fractional quantum Hall fluid and an electron reservoir, a Fermi liquid. I consider first the case of a single point contact. This is a an exactly solvable problem from which much can be learned. I also discuss in some detail how these solvable junction problems can be used to understand many aspects of the recent electron tunneling experiments into edge states. I also give a detailed picture of the unusual behavior of these junctions in their strong coupling regime. A pedagogical introduction to the theories of edge states is also included.