  Energies and wave functions of edge states in twodimensional electron gas are
evaluated for a finite step potential barrier model. The spectrum, instead of
smooth bending of Landau branches in the vicinity of the barrier acquires a
steplike form; unexpected edge plateaus and significant energy gap reduction
take place between the neighbouring Landau branches above the barrier tops. The
origin of these phenomena is traced. Stability with respect to modifications is
established. Manifestation of the qualitatively new features of electron
densities of states in abrupt confinements through magnetooptical and nuclear
magnetic spin relaxation effects is proposed.
