Electron-self-confinement in a three-dimensional electron gas

The ground state of a three-dimensional electron gas is investigated as a function of electron density using the spin density functional theory treated within a framework of the local spin density approximation. At intermediate electron densities, it is found that a state with a film-like or a rod-like electron distribution is the most stable. In such a state, electrons are self-confined to the valleys of a periodic potential produced by the electrons.