Oscillatory Magnetoresistance in Two-Dimensional Electron Systems in a Periodically Modulated Magnetic Field

Abstract

We have studied energy spectra of a two-dimensional electron system in the presence of a weak magnetic field modulation. It is found that the magnetoresistance shows an oscillatory behavior similar to the so-called Weiss oscillation for the case of an electric potential modulation. The main difference between the two cases is that the phase of the magnetoresistance oscillation is shifted by π/2. This results in an inverted peak and valley structure for the magnetic field modulation as compared to the Weiss oscillation. We have also attempted to measure the predicted effect. So far the experimental observation is hindered by the dominant strain-induced Weiss oscillation.