Abstract
We address the question whether features known from quantum chromodynamics (QCD) can possibly also show up in solid-state physics. It is shown that spinless fermions of charge e on a checkerboard lattice with nearest-neighbor repulsion provide for a simple model of confined fractional charges. After defining a proper vacuum the system supports excitations with charges ±e/2 attached to the ends of strings. There is a constant confining force acting between the fractional charges. It results from a reduction of vacuum fluctuations and a polarization of the vacuum in the vicinity of the connecting strings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 133-138 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Europhysics Letters |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jul 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |