Classical magnetotransport of inhomogeneous conductors

Abstract

We present a model of magnetotransport of inhomogeneous conductors based on an array of coupled four-terminal elements. We show that this model generically yields nonsaturating magnetoresistance at large fields. We also discuss how this approach simplifies finite-element analysis of bulk inhomogeneous semiconductors in complex geometries. We argue that this is an explanation of the observed nonsaturating magnetoresistance in silver chalcogenides and potentially in other disordered conductors. Our method may be used to design the magnetoresistive response of a microfabricated array.