Anisotropic momentum transfer in low-dimensional electron systems in a magnetic field

In low-dimensional systems with an asymmetric quantizing potential, an asymmetric electron energy spectrum epsilon(p) not equal epsilon(-p), where p is the electron momentum, arises in the presence of a magnetic field. A consequence of such an energy spectrum is that momentum transfer to the electron system in mutually opposite directions in the presence of an external perturbation is different. Therefore, in the presence of a standing electromagnetic wave momentum is transferred from the wave to the electrons, which gives rise to a new type of electromotive force. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.