Zigzag phase transition in quantum wires
Abstract
We study the quantum phase transition of interacting electrons in quantum wires from a one-dimensional (1D) linear configuration to a quasi-1D zigzag arrangement using quantum Monte Carlo methods. As the density increases from its lowest values, first, the electrons form a linear Wigner crystal, then, the symmetry about the axis of the wire is broken as the electrons order in a quasi-1D zigzag phase, and, finally, the electrons form a disordered liquidlike phase. We show that the linear to zigzag phase transition is not destroyed by the strong quantum fluctuations present in narrow wires; it has characteristics which are qualitatively different from the classical transition. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Date Published
Journal
Physical Review Letters
Volume
110
Issue
24
URL
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84879111197&doi=10.1103%2fPhysRevLett.110.246802&partnerID=40&md5=ae72aed0cde602e35d22c539fb87eeb2
DOI
10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.246802
Research Area
Group (Lab)
Cyrus Umrigar Group
Funding Source
0753335
0908653