Observation of chiral surface states in the integer quantum Hall effect

We have made experimental studies of low-temperature, high-magnetic field electronic transport in layered, three-dimensional semiconductor structures. In fields that produce the integer quantum Hall effect for transport parallel to the layers, we find deep minima in the vertical conductance G(zz). Between these quantum Hall states, the size dependence of G(zz) indicates that vertical transport is through the bulk. Within quantum Hall states, we find that vertical transport is along the surface of the sample, via a "sheath" of extended surface states. This surface sheath is a novel two-dimensional system that exhibits a metallic conductivity much less than e(2)/h.