paper

Frenkel-Kontorova model with cold trapped ions

arXiv:cond-mat/0606135 · doi:10.1140/epjd/e2006-00220-2

Abstract

We study analytically and numerically the properties of one-dimensional chain of cold ions placed in a periodic potential of optical lattice and global harmonic potential of a trap. In close similarity with the Frenkel-Kontorova model, a transition from sliding to pinned phase takes place with the increase of the optical lattice potential for the density of ions incommensurate with the lattice period. Quantum fluctuations lead to a quantum phase transition and melting of pinned instanton glass phase at large values of dimensional Planck constant. The obtained results are also relevant for a Wigner crystal placed in a periodic potential.

RevTeX, 5 pages, 11 figures, research at http://www.quantware.ups-tlse.fr

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