Stepped graphene-based Aharonov–Bohm interferometers

Aharonov–Bohm interferences in the quantum Hall regime are observed when electrons are transmitted between two edge channels. Such a phenomenon has been realized in 2D systems such as quantum point contacts, anti-dots and p-n junctions. Based on a theoretical investigation of the magnetotransport in stepped graphene, a new kind of Aharonov–Bohm interferometers is proposed herewith. Indeed, when a strong magnetic field is applied in a proper direction, oppositely propagating edge states can be achieved in both terrace and facet zones of the step, leading to the interedge scatterings and hence strong Aharonov–Bohm oscillations in the conductance in the quantum Hall regime. Taking place in the unipolar regime, this interference is also predicted in stepped systems of other 2D layered materials