Effect of density on quantum Hall stripe orientation in tilted magnetic fields

Abstract

We investigate quantum Hall stripes under an in-plane magnetic field B in a variable-density two-dimensional electron gas. At filling factor ν=9/2, we observe one, two, and zero Binduced reorientations at low, intermediate, and high densities, respectively. The appearance of these distinct regimes is due to a strong density dependence of the Binduced orienting mechanism which triggers the second reorientation, rendering stripes parallel to B. In contrast, the mechanism which reorients stripes perpendicular to B showed no noticeable dependence on density. Measurements at ν=9/2 and 11/2 at the same, tilted magnetic field allow us to rule out the density dependence of the native symmetry-breaking field as a dominant factor. Our findings further suggest that screening might play an important role in determining stripe orientation, providing guidance in developing theories aimed at identifying and describing native and B induced symmetry-breaking fields.