Variable-range hopping and quantum creep in one dimension.
We study the quantum nonlinear response to an applied electric field E of a one-dimensional pinned charge-density wave or Luttinger liquid in the presence of disorder. From an explicit construction of low-lying metastable states and of bounce instanton solutions between them, we demonstrate quantum creep v=e(-c/E(1/2)) as well as a sharp crossover at E=E(*) towards a linear response form consistent with variable-range hopping arguments, but dependent only on electronic degrees of freedom.
Nattermann
Thomas
T
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Strasse 77 D-50937 Köln, Germany.
Giamarchi
Thierry
T
Le Doussal
Pierre
P