title: Model for the voltage steps in the breakdown of the integer quantum Hall effect.
abstract: In samples used to maintain the U.S. resistance standard the breakdown of the dissipationless integer quantum Hall effect occurs as a series of dissipative voltage steps. A mechanism for this type of breakdown is proposed, based on the generation of magnetoexcitons when the quantum Hall fluid flows past an ionized impurity above a critical velocity. The calculated generation rate gives a voltage step height in good agreement with measurements on both electron and hole gases. We also compare this model to a hydrodynamic description of breakdown.
authors.affiliation: School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Benedict
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Sheard
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Eaves