Two-dimensional electron system in high magnetic fields: Wigner crystal versus composite-fermion liquid

Phys Rev Lett. 2003 Mar 14;90(10):106403. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.106403. Epub 2003 Mar 14.

Abstract

The two-dimensional system of electrons in a high magnetic field offers an opportunity to investigate a phase transition from a quantum liquid into a Wigner solid. Recent experiments have revealed an incipient composite fermion liquid in a parameter range where theory and many experiments had previously suggested the Wigner crystal phase, thus calling into question our current understanding. This Letter shows how very small quantitative corrections (<1%) in the energy due to the weak interaction between composite fermions can cause a fundamental change in the nature of the ground state, thus providing insight into the puzzling experimental results.