AFM probe for the signatures of Wigner correlations in the conductance of a one-dimensional quantum dot

Abstract

The transport properties of an interacting one-dimensional quantum dot capacitively coupled to an atomic force microscope probe are investigated. The dot is described within a Luttinger liquid framework which captures both Friedel and Wigner oscillations. In the linear regime, we demonstrate that both the conductance peak position and height oscillate as the tip is scanned along the dot. A pronounced beating pattern in the conductance maximum is observed, connected to the oscillations of the electron density. Signatures of the effects induced by a Wigner molecule are clearly identified and their stability against the strength of Coulomb interactions are analyzed. While the oscillations of the peak position due to Wigner get enhanced at strong interactions, the peak height modulations are suppressed as interactions grow. Oscillations due to Friedel, on the other hand, are robust against interaction.