We study the Wigner crystallization in semiconductor quantum wires wit
hin the density-functional approach. As the density of electrons in qu
asi-one-dimensional structures is lowered, we find that the system fav
ors the crystalline phase as envisioned by Wigner. The dependence of t
he critical density on the lateral width of the quantum wire is also i
nvestigated. In a structure consisting of two parallel quantum wires,
the Wigner transition to the solid phase is enhanced similarly to the
bilayer systems. [S0163-1829(98)01039-X].