Electron crystallization

Abstract The arguments leading to the concept of an electron crystal in the low density regime of ‘jellium’ are reviewed. Ground-state properties discussed include estimates of the critical density at which the transition to a crystalline state takes place, and then in the low density regime the dielectric function, pair function and momentum distribution are dealt with. The magnetic character of the ground state as a function of density is also considered. The low-lying excitations of the Wigner electron crystal are phonon-like and hence the low temperature specific heat obeys a T 3 law. Defect models are considered in order to throw further light on the character of excited states. Finally experimental conditions favourable for electron crystallization are briefly considered.