Stepped graphene-based Aharonov-Bohm interferometers

Aharonov-Bohm interferences in the quantum Hall regime are observed when electrons are transmitted between two edge channels. Such a phenomenon has been realized in 2D systems such as quantum point contacts, anti-dots and p-n junctions. Based on a theoretical investigation of the magnetotransport in stepped graphene, a new kind of Aharonov-Bohm interferometers is proposed herewith. Indeed, when a strong magnetic field is applied in a proper direction, oppositely propagating edge states can be achieved in both terrace and facet zones of the step, leading to the interedge scatterings and hence strong Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in the conductance in the quantum Hall regime. Taking place in the unipolar regime, this interference is also predicted in stepped systems of other 2D layered materials.