Quantum correlations in one-dimensional Wigner molecules

Abstract

We studied one-dimensional systems formed by N identical particles confined in a harmonic trap and subject to an inverse power-law interaction potential ∼ |x| −d . The correlation properties of a Wigner molecule with the lowest energy are investigated in terms of their dependence on the number N and the power d, including the limit as d → 0. There are N -particle Wigner molecules with properties such that their correlations are mainly manifested in the N lowest natural orbitals. The values of the control parameters of the system at which such states appear are identified. The properties of Wigner molecules formed in the limit as d approaches infinity are also revealed.