Zigzag Phase Transition in Quantum Wires

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum phase transition in electrons within quantum wires, revealing a transition from a linear to zigzag arrangement that persists despite quantum fluctuations, differing from classical expectations.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the quantum linear to zigzag phase transition remains robust against quantum fluctuations using quantum Monte Carlo simulations.

Findings

Electrons form a linear Wigner crystal at low densities.

Transition to a zigzag phase occurs as density increases.

The transition is qualitatively different from classical predictions.

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 liquid-like 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.