Work

A nonlinear, geometric Hall effect without magnetic field

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The classical Hall effect, the traditional means of determining charge-carrier sign and density in a conductor, requires a magnetic field to produce transverse voltages across a current-carrying wire. We demonstrate a use of geometry to create transverse potentials along curved paths without any magnetic field. These potentials also reflect the charge-carrier sign and density. We demonstrate this effect experimentally in curved wires where the transverse potentials are consistent with the doping and change polarity as we switch the carrier sign. In straight wires, we measure transverse potential fluctuations with random polarity demonstrating that the current follows a complex, tortuous path. This geometrically induced potential offers a sensitive characterization of inhomogeneous current flow in thin films.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916406116

Authors: Nicholas B. Schade, David I. Schuster, Sidney R. Nagel

Institution: University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and electron transport phenomena

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Science Foundation

Awards: Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers, Experiments on fluids and grains, NNCI: Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource