LETTER On putative incommensurate states of a finite Frenkel-Kontorova chain

Abstract

We propose a new but simpler explanation of the phases of a Frenkel-Kontorova chain of atoms, and we demonstrate it by examples. Combined with this, we present a criticism of the theory of so-called commensurate and incommensurate states, especially for finite chains. We reject the putative observation of an Aubry-phase transition in a finite chain.

arXiv comment5 pages, 2 figures