Coulomb coupling between two-dimensional and three-dimensional electron-gas layers: Influence on electrical transport

Momentum and energy transfer is considered via the Coulomb interaction between two-dimensional (2D) and (3D) electron-gas layers separated by a distance l. A direct current driven through either of the layers induces a contactless current in the other layer. The case when a 3D electron gas drags a 2D electron gas is treated in detail. The friction force between the gases for a given current in the 3D gas is proportional to ${\mathit{Tscrl}}^{\mathrm{-}6}$lnscrl for scrl→∞ and to ${\mathit{T}}^2$ ${\mathit{scrl}}^{\mathrm{-}5}$lnscrl for T→0 and sufficiently large scrl. Good agreement is obtained between theory and recent experimental results pertaining to momentum transfer.