Dimensional transition of weak localization effects in lateral surface superlattices

• Published in: Solid-state electronics 1994-04, Vol.37 (4), p.717-720
• Main Authors: Selbmann, P.E., Suhrke, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Electronic structure and electrical properties of surfaces, interfaces, thin films and low-dimensional structures; Electronic transport in interface structures; Exact sciences and technology; Physics
• ISSN: 0038-1101; 1879-2405
• DOI: 10.1016/0038-1101(94)90284-4

Weak localization is investigated for a two-dimensional electron gas subject to a cosine-potential in one direction. With decreasing Fermi energy the system gradually develops into an array of almost isolated quantum wires of finite width. Interference effects are reduced in dimensionality if the coherent motion of the electrons between adjacent wires is suppressed. The weak-localization correction to the conductivity is remarkably enhanced then and changes its dependence on the phase coherence length from a logarithmic to a linear one. In the ID limit the system shows a transition from weak to strong localization with increasing phase coherence length. The localization length changes from an exponential to a linear dependence on scattering length at the dimensional transition. Numerical results are presented for GaAs structures in dependence on Fermi energy.