Irradiated magnetotransport in ultra-high mobility 2D electron systems: Role of quantum superposition

Abstract We report a theoretical model on the microwave-induced resistance oscillations based on the coherent states of the quantum harmonic oscillator. We first obtain an expression for the coherent states of driven-quantum harmonic oscillators. Then, we make use of these new states in the microwave-induced electron orbit model to calculate the magnetoresistance under light. We find that the principle of minimum uncertainty of coherent states, involving time and energy, is at the heart of photo-oscillations and zero-resistance states. We extend the model applying quantum superposition to obtain even and odd coherent states for these systems. Consequently, we explain the resonant peak shift that appears in these samples when mobility is ultrahigh.