New Quantum Phase between the Fermi Glass and the Wigner Crystal in Two Dimensions

Abstract

For intermediate Coulomb energy to Fermi energy ratios ${r}_{s}$, spinless fermions in a random potential form a new quantum phase which is neither a Fermi glass, nor a Wigner crystal. Studying small clusters, we show that this phase gives rise to an ordered flow of enhanced persistent currents for disorder strength and ratios ${r}_{s}$, where a metallic phase has been recently observed in two dimensions.