Finite Layer Thickness Stabilizes the Pfaffian State for the 5/2 Fractional Quantum Hall Effect: Wavefunction Overlap and Topological Degeneracy

Michael. R. Peterson ¹, Th. Jolicoeur ², S. Das Sarma ³

Physical Review Letters 101 (2008) 016807

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 wavefunction overlap and ground state degeneracy

• 1. Condensed Matter theory center, departement of physic.,
  Condensed matter theory center
• 2. Laboratoire de Physique Théorique et Modèles Statistiques (LPTMS),
  CNRS : UMR8626 – Université Paris XI – Paris Sud
• 3. Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics,
  University of Maryland at College Park