Abstract
The yrast spectra (i.e., the lowest states for a given total angular momentum) of quantum dots in strong magnetic fields, are studied in terms of exact numerical diagonalization and analytic trial wave functions. We argue that certain features (cusps) in the many-body spectrum can be understood in terms of particle localization due to the strong field. A new class of trial wave functions supports the picture of the electrons being localized in Wigner moleculelike states consisting of consecutive rings of electrons, with low-lying excitations corresponding to rigid rotation of the outer ring of electrons. The geometry of the Wigner molecule is independent of interparticle interactions and the statistics of the particles.
- Received 30 May 2001
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.64.245322
©2001 American Physical Society