Surface Quantum States and Impedance Oscillations in a Weak Magnetic Field—Numerical Aspects

Abstract

A numerical analysis is made of the theoretical formula for the line shape of the surface-impedance oscillations that result from microwave transitions between magnetic-field-induced surface quantum states. After some general considerations of how such calculations depend on relevant physical parameters, we present a critical comparison of the calculated and experimental curves. We illustrate how the theoretical analysis of the experimental data gives the Fermi velocity (provided the shape of the Fermi surface is known), electron mean-free time, the probability of specular reflection, all for electrons on a very small region of the Fermi surface. In addition, a parameter characteristic of the depth of penetration of the microwave electric field, namely, the skin depth $\delta$, can be evaluated.