Rectangular quantum wires in a magnetic field: phase diagrams and subband dispersion

The subband dispersion of rectangular quantum wires in a transverse magnetic field is calculated in a one-band model. A phase diagram describing the different dispersion regimes is derived in terms of dimensionless variables. For the case of an infinite barrier, a region of inner Landau levels, a diamagnetic and an edge state region are identified; when the barrier height is finite outer Landau levels also occur. The calculated magnetoabsorption reflects the various regimes of the dispersion.