Localization Properties of a Quasi-One-Dimensional Periodic Chain under Nonuniform Magnetic Fields

Abstract

We study the localization properties of an electron in a quasi-one-dimensional periodic chain subject to nonuniform magnetic fields. After clarifying the condition under which the localization effect induced by a uniform magnetic field survives in the presence of field modulation, we demonstrate that the character of the energy spectrum and the eigenstates depends crucially on the type of field modulation; in view of the dynamic aspect, diverse behaviors ranging from a complete absence of diffusion to the ballistic transport emerge, depending on the type of field modulation.