Why is the conductance quantized?

In summary, conductance quantization is the observation of discrete, quantized values of conductance in certain materials at very low temperatures. It is dependent on the electronic properties of a material, particularly in low dimensional structures. This phenomenon is related to the quantum Hall effect, which occurs in two-dimensional materials at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. The significance of conductance quantization lies in its potential applications in nanoelectronics and quantum computing. However, it is not observable at room temperature due to the disruptive effects of thermal energy.
  • #1
wdlang
307
0
according to the Landauer formula, the conductance is proportional to the transmission probability.

But the transmission probability is not quantized generally

So why is the conductance quantized?
 
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  • #3
UltrafastPED said:
Does this help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conductance_quantum

Quantization of conductance only applies in special circumstances.

i now see.

So it is not as specular as magnetic quantization in superconductors
 

1. What is conductance quantization?

Conductance quantization is the phenomenon where the conductance of a material is found to have discrete, or quantized, values rather than a continuous range of values. This is observed in certain materials at very low temperatures.

2. Why is conductance quantized in some materials but not others?

The quantization of conductance is dependent on the electronic properties of a material. Specifically, it is observed in materials that have a low dimensional structure, such as thin films or nanowires, where the electrons are confined to a smaller space and exhibit more discrete energy levels.

3. How is conductance quantization related to the quantum Hall effect?

The quantum Hall effect is a related phenomenon that occurs in two-dimensional materials at very low temperatures and high magnetic fields. It is characterized by the quantization of the Hall conductance, which is directly related to the quantization of the longitudinal conductance.

4. What is the significance of conductance quantization in electronics?

The quantization of conductance has important implications for nanoelectronics and quantum computing. It allows for the precise control and manipulation of electrons at the nanoscale, which is crucial for the development of advanced electronic devices and technologies.

5. Can conductance quantization be observed at room temperature?

No, conductance quantization is typically only observed at very low temperatures, usually in the range of a few Kelvin. At room temperature, thermal energy disrupts the quantized behavior of electrons and causes the conductance to become continuous rather than discrete.

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