Two-dimensional hydrodynamic viscous electron flow in annular Corbino rings

Journal Article · 02 May 2025 · Physical Review Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.7.L022029 · OSTI ID:2564326

Vijayakrishnan, Sujatha ; Berkson-Korenberg, Z.; Mainville, J.; Engel, L. W. ; Lilly, M. P.; West, K. W.; Pfeiffer, L. N.; Gervais, G.

The concept of fluidic viscosity is ubiquitous in condensed-matter systems hosting a continuum where macroscopic properties can emerge. While an important property of liquids and some solids, only recently was the viscosity of an electron shown to play a role in electronic transport experiments. In this Letter, we present nonlocal electronic transport measurements in concentric annular rings formed in high-mobility two-dimensional electron gases, and the resulting data show that viscous hydrodynamic flow can occur far away from the source-drain current region. Our conclusion of viscous electronic transport is further corroborated by simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations that are found to be in agreement with our measurements below $T=1\text{K}$ . Finally, this work emphasizes the key role played by viscosity via electron-electron $\left(e\text{−}e\right)$ interaction even when the electronic transport is restricted radially, and for which it should have played no major role. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 2564326
• Journal Information: Physical Review Research, Journal Name: Physical Review Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 7; ISSN 2643-1564; ISSN PPRHAI
• Publisher: American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English