Is the observed quantized conductance on small contacts due to coherent ballistic transport?

Abstract

This letter revises the interpretation of recent experiments showing quantized conductance on GaAs/GaAlAs constrictions or point contacts in terms of coherent ballistic and sequential transport. Our calculations show by using a first iterative self-consistent procedure that the experimental data can also be reconciled with sequential transport. The mean free path concept in the constriction is discussed in comparison with that of the reservoirs. We conclude that, for the higher modes, the former is much smaller than the latter, implying that in the constriction the transport may be sequential.