Origin of quantum shape effect

Abstract

Size-invariant shape transformation gives rise to the so-called quantum shape effect in strongly confined systems. While quantum size and shape effects are often thought to be difficult to distinguish because of their coexistence, it is actually possible to separate them and focus solely on the shape effect. In fact, quantum shape effect is a quite different phenomenon from quantum size effects, as it can have the opposite influence on the physical properties of nanoscale systems. Here we explore the origin of the quantum shape effect by theoretically investigating the simplest system that can produce the same physics: quantum particles in a box separated by a moving partition. The partition moves quasistatically from one end of the box to the other, allowing the system to remain in equilibrium with a reservoir throughout the process. The partition and the boundaries are impenetrable by particles, forming two effectively interconnected regions. Position of the partition becomes the shape variable. We investigate quantum shape effect on the thermodynamic properties of confined particles. In addition, we applied a new analytical model based on dimensional transitions to accurately predict thermodynamic properties under the quantum shape effect. A fundamental understanding of quantum shape effects could pave the way for employing them to engineer physical properties and design better materials at nanoscale.

19 pages, 9 figures

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