title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Duke University, Box 90305, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0305, USA.
authors.forename: Abhijit C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Umrigar
authors.affiliation: SPSMS, UMR-E 9001 CEA/UJF-Grenoble 1, INAC, Grenoble F-38054, France.
authors.forename: Julia S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Duke University, Box 90305, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0305, USA.
authors.forename: Harold U
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Baranger