Electron crystallization

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The arguments leading to the concept of an electron crystal in the low density regime of ‘jellium’ are reviewed. Ground-state properties discussed include estimates of the critical density at which the transition to a crystalline state takes place, and then in the low density regime the dielectric function, pair function and momentum distribution are dealt with. The magnetic character of the ground state as a function of density is also considered. The low-lying excitations of the Wigner electron crystal are phonon-like and hence the low temperature specific heat obeys a T 3 law. Defect models are considered in order to throw further light on the character of excited states. Finally experimental conditions favourable for electron crystallization are briefly considered.

This publication has 50 references indexed in Scilit: