title: Structural transitions in laterally compressed two-dimensional Coulomb clusters.
abstract: We model structural transitions of small-size Wigner crystals in laterally compressed two-dimensional traps. Ground and metastable configurations are calculated and their transformations are linked to conspicuous changes in the heat capacity of the system. We show that various types of structural transitions are reflected by characteristic features in the behavior of the heat capacity. For deeper understanding, results produced by the Monte Carlo numerical calculations are compared to predictions of simple one-dimensional models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Theoretical Physics, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, Lithuania. olga.rancova@tfai.vu.lt
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rancova
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Anisimovas
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Varanavičius