Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of fractional quantum Hall effect and its significance in condensed matter physics?
Sample answer:
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Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE):
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When a two-dimensional electron gas is subjected to a strong magnetic field, it exhibits remarkable quantized plateaus in its Hall resistance at specific Landau level filling factors. This phenomenon is known as the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE).
- The FQHE arises from the formation of strongly correlated electronic states, called Laughlin states, where electrons form incompressible quantum fluids with fractional charge and statistics.
- The quantization of the Hall resistance is given by $R_{xy} = \frac{h}{e^2/m^\ast}$ where (m^\ast) is a fraction of the electron mass.
- The fractions observed in the FQHE, such as 1/3, 2/3, 4/3, etc., indicate the presence of quasiparticles with exotic fractional charges and non-Abelian statistics, known as quasiholes and quasiparticles.
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The study of the FQHE has led to significant insights into the behavior of strongly correlated electron systems, quantum statistics, and topological physics.
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Significance in Condensed Matter Physics:
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The FQHE is a fundamental quantum phenomenon that has provided a testing ground for theoretical models of strongly correlated electron systems.
- It has led to the development of new theoretical concepts, such as the Laughlin state, composite f… Read full answer
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