Evidence for A Two-dimensional Quantum Wigner Solid in Zero Magnetic Field

Abstract: We report the first experimental observation of a characteristic nonlinear threshold behavior from dc dynamical response as an evidence for a Wigner crystallization in high-purity GaAs 2D hole systems in zero magnetic field. The system under increasing current drive exhibits voltage oscillations with negative differential resistance. They confirm the coexistence of a moving crystal along with striped edge states as observed for electrons on helium surfaces. However, the threshold is well below the typical classical levels due to a different pinning and depinning mechanism that is possibly related to a quantum process.