Publications [#303601] of Harold U. Baranger

Papers Published

1. Mehta, AC; Umrigar, CJ; Meyer, JS; Baranger, HU, Zigzag phase transition in quantum wires, Physical Review Letters, vol. 110 no. 24 (June, 2013), pp. 246802, American Physical Society (APS) [1302.5429v2], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/15)

   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. © 2013 American Physical Society.