First-Principles Study of Integer Quantum Hall Transitions in Mesoscopic Samples

We perform first principles numerical simulations to investigate resistance fluctuations in mesoscopic samples, near the transition between consecutive Quantum Hall plateaus. We use six-terminal geometry and sample sizes similar to those of real devices. The Hall and longitudinal resistances extracted from the generalized Landauer formula reproduce all the experimental features uncovered recently. We then use a simple generalization of the Landauer-B\"uttiker model, based on the interplay between tunneling and chiral currents -- the co-existing mechanisms for transport -- to explain the three distinct types of fluctuations observed, and identify the central region as the critical region.Comment: changes to acknowledgements onl

Spin-one bosons in low dimensional Mott insulating states

We analyze the strong coupling limit of spin-one bosons in low dimensional Mott insulating states. In 1D lattices, for an odd number of bosons per site ($N_0$), the ground state is a dimerized valence bond crystal state with a two-fold degeneracy; the low lying elementary spin excitations carry spin one. For an even number of bosons per site, the ground state is a nondegenerate spin singlet Mott state. We also argue that in a square lattice in a quantum disordered limit the ground states should be dimerized valence bond crystals for an odd integer $N_0$. Finally, we briefly report results for non-integer numbers of bosons per site in one-dimensional lattices.Comment: 5 pages; discussions on non-integer case have been shortene