Abstract
We study the quantum melting of the two-dimensional Wigner crystal using a fixed node quantum Monte Carlo approach. In addition to the two already known phases (Fermi liquid at large density and Wigner crystal at low density), we find a third stable phase at intermediate values of the density. The third phase has hybrid behaviors in between a liquid and a solid. This hybrid phase has the nodal structure of a Slater determinant constructed out of the bands of a triangular lattice.
- Received 24 June 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.046801
©2005 American Physical Society