title: Finite-layer thickness stabilizes the Pfaffian state for the 5/2 fractional quantum Hall effect: wave function overlap and topological degeneracy.
abstract: We find the finite width, i.e., the layer thickness, of experimental quasi-two-dimensional systems produces a physical environment sufficient to stabilize the Moore-Read Pfaffian state thought to describe the fractional quantum Hall effect at filling factor nu=5/2. This conclusion is based on exact calculations performed in the spherical and torus geometries, studying wave function overlap and ground state degeneracy.
authors.affiliation: Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Th
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jolicoeur
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Das Sarma