A one-dimensional electron system on liquid helium

Abstract

We discuss the possibility of producing a one-dimensional electron system on liquid helium that is sufficiently uniform and pure. The proposal utilizes the curvature of the surface of helium flowing in parallel channels in a dielectric substrate. We compute the mean free path length of electrons in such a system. Conclusions are drawn concerning possible localization of carriers along the direction of their quasi-free motion. We take into account scattering by helium atoms in the gas, by thermal excitations of the liquid surface (ripplons), and by the Coulomb interactions of the electrons with one another.