A new quantum phase between the Fermi glass and the Wigner crystal in two dimensions

TL;DR

This paper identifies a novel quantum phase in two-dimensional spinless fermions at intermediate Coulomb to Fermi energy ratios, characterized by enhanced persistent currents, distinct from known Fermi glass and Wigner crystal phases.

Contribution

The study introduces a new quantum phase in 2D fermionic systems, revealed through small cluster analysis, that exhibits unique current flow properties.

Findings

Presence of a new quantum phase at intermediate $r_s$ values.

Enhanced persistent currents observed in this phase.

Correlation with recent experimental metallic phase in 2D systems.

Abstract

For intermediate Coulomb energy to Fermi energy ratios $r_s$, spinless fermions in a random potential form a new quantum phase which is nor a Fermi glass, neither a Wigner crystal. Studying small clusters, we show that this phase gives rise to an ordered flow of enhanced persistent currents, for disorder strength and ratios $r_s$ where a metallic phase has been recently observed in two dimensions.