Spin charge separation in quasi one-dimensional organic conductors

Abstract

Matter is excited by adding an electron or extracting one. These excitations can move in the bulk material almost like a free particle, carrying an electronic charge and spin. The electrons try to avoid each other by Coulomb repulsion and also interact magnetically. If they are confined to one dimension, charge and spin excitations are separated and move independently due to the strong interaction. The unique properties of one-dimensional systems are revealed in a number of experiments on strongly anisotropic materials. Here we review the theoretical models and the experimental indications for the unusual behavior of quasi one-dimensional organic conductors.