Non-linear transport and a non-equilibrium phase transition in 2D electrons on liquid helium

Abstract The magnetoconductivity σ ( B ) of the two-dimensional (2D) electron solid on liquid helium is highly non-linear, as the Hall velocity passes the phase velocity of the ripplons at the reciprocal lattice vector of the crystal. Experiments are interpreted using an N-shaped I – V characteristic. In the 2D electron fluid experiments suggest a non-equilibrium phase transition occurs at higher temperatures, driven by the nonlinear I – V characteristic.