Quantum Schur Superalgebras and Kazhdan-Lusztig Combinatorics

We introduce the notion of quantum Schur (or $q$-Schur) superalgebras. These algebras share certain nice properties with $q$-Schur algebras such as base change property, existence of canonical $\mathbb Z[v,v^{-1}]$-bases, and the duality relation with quantum matrix superalgebra \sA(m|n). We also construct a cellular \mathbb Q(\up)-basis and determine its associated cells, called super-cells, in terms of a Robinson--Schensted--Knuth super-correspondence. In this way, we classify all irreducible representations over \mathbb Q(\up) via super-cell modules.Comment: 31 page

Evidence for Helical Edge Modes in Inverted InAs/GaSb Quantum Wells

We present an experimental study of low temperature electronic transport in the hybridization gap of inverted InAs/GaSb composite quantum wells. Electrostatic gate is used to push the Fermi level into the gap regime, where the conductance as a function of sample length and width is measured. Our analysis shows strong evidence for the existence of helical edge modes proposed by Liu et al [Phys. Rev. Lett., 100, 236601 (2008)]. Edge modes persist inspite of sizable bulk conduction and show only a weak magnetic field dependence - a direct consequence of gap opening away from zone center.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Perfect Andreev Reflection of Helical Edge Modes in InAs/GaSb Quantum Wells

We present an experimental study of inverted InAs/GaSb composite quantum wells in the hybridization regime and contacted by superconducting electrodes. A front gate is used to vary the Fermi level into the mini-gap, where recent experiments indicate existence of helical edge modes [arXiv:1105.0137]. Zero bias dips in differential resistance are observed across the mini-gap, suggesting transport dominated by Andreev reflection processes. Evolution of the mini-gap differential resistance with applied bias as well as measured mini-gap excess current of 150 nA are in good agreement with the prediction of perfect Andreev reflection of the helical edge modes, which is necessitated by the absence of back-scattering channels. The perfect Andreev reflection occurs in spite of a finite barrier at the interface and shows strong sensitivity to time-reversal breaking - hallmarks of the helical nature of quantum spin Hall edges

Simultaneous Measurements of Microwave Photoresistance and Cyclotron Reflection in the Multi-Photon Regime

We simultaneously measure photoresistance with electrical transport and plasmon-cyclotron resonance (PCR) using microwave reflection spectroscopy in high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells under a perpendicular magnetic field. Multi-photon transitions are revealed as sharp peaks in the resistance and the cyclotron reflection on samples with various carrier densities. Our main finding is that plasmon coupling is relevant in the cyclotron reflection spectrum but has not been observed in the electrical conductivity signal. We discuss possible mechanisms relevant to reflection or dc conductivity signal to explain this discrepancy. We further confirm a trend that higher order multi-photon features can be observed using higher carrier density samples.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figure