Two-Dimensional Coulomb Liquids and Solids

This coherent monograph describes and explains quantum phenomena in two-dimensional (2D) electron systems with extremely strong internal interactions, which cannot be described by the conventional Fermi-liquid approach. The central physical objects considered are the 2D Coulomb liquid, of which the average Coulomb interaction energy per electron is much higher than the mean kinetic energy, and the Wigner solid. The text provides a new and comprehensive review of the remarkable properties of Coulomb liquids and solids formed on the free surface of liquid helium and other interfaces. This book is intended for graduate students and researchers in the fields of quantum liquids, electronic properties of 2D systems, and solid-state physics. It includes different levels of sophistication so as to be useful for both theorists and experimentalists. The presentation is largely self-contained, and also describes some instructive examples that will be of general interest to solid-state physicists.

Yuriy Monarkha: Degrees: Ph.D., Professor of physics; Post: Leading scientist. Permanent place of work: Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He has long experience of work as a visiting professor in different scientific centers: Institute for Solid State Physics (The University of Tokyo), Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Max-Plank-Institute and CNRS), Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN, Japan), Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands).

Kimitoshi Kono: Degrees: Dr. (Doctor of Science), Professor of Physics (Tokyo Institute of Technology). Post: Chief scientist. Permanent place of work: Low Temperature Physics Laboratory, RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research). He has experience of work as a visiting scientist in: University of Mainz and University of Konstanz.