Eur. Phys. J. B 9, 651-658 (1999)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510050809

Spiky phases of smooth membranes. Implications for smooth strings

Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Theoretische Physik, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany

Corresponding author: ^a kleinert@physik.fu-berlin.de

Received: 2 September 1998
Published online: 15 June 1999

Abstract

We point out a possible mechanism by which smooth surfaces can become spiky as the constant of curvature stiffness κ falls below a certain critical value. This happens either in a single first-order transition, or in a sequence of two Kosterlitz-Thouless-like transitions. There may also be additional phases in which the spikes form a hexagonal solid-like array or a disordered liquid-like structure. Our discussion suggests that there exist smooth strings between quarks.