Nonlinear conductance of quantum point contacts
- Kouwenhoven, L.P.,
- Wees, B.J. van,
- Harmans, C.J.P.M.,
- Williamson, J.G.,
- Houten, H. van,
- Beenakker, C.W.J.,
- Foxon, C.T.,
- Harris, J.J.,
DOIAbstract
The conductance of ballistic quantum constrictions in a two-dimensional electron gas has been studied experimentally as a function of the applied voltage. Large nonlinearities are found in the current-voltage characteristics. We give a simple model, which explains the main features of the nonlinear conductance. Breakdown of the conductance quantization occurs when the number of occupied one-dimensional sub bands becomes unequal for the two velocity directions. A critical voltage is found for the breakdown, which is equal to the subband separation at the Fermi level.
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