Synchronization theory of microwave induced zero-resistance states

Abstract: We develop the synchronization theory of microwave induced zero-resistance states (ZRS) for two-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field. In this theory the dissipative effects lead to synchronization of cyclotron phase with driving microwave phase at certain resonant ratios between microwave and cyclotron frequencies. This synchronization produces stabilization of electron transport along edge channels and at the same time it gives suppression of dissipative scattering on local impurities and dissipative conductivity in the bulk, thus creating the ZRS phases at that frequency ratios. The electron dynamics along edge and around circular disk impurity is well described by the Chirikov standard map. The theoretical analysis is based on extensive numerical simulations of classical electron transport in a strongly nonlinear regime. We also discuss the value of activation energy obtained in our model and the experimental signatures that could establish the synchronization origin of ZRS.