"Deconfined" quantum critical points

Details "Deconfined" quantum critical points "Deconfined" quantum critical points

2003-11-13

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0311326v1

Science 303, 1490 (2004).

Physics

Condensed Matter

Strongly Correlated Electrons

24 pages, 6 figures

Scientific paper

10.1126/science.1091806

The theory of second order phase transitions is one of the foundations of modern statistical mechanics and condensed matter theory. A central concept is the observable `order parameter', whose non-zero average value characterizes one or more phases and usually breaks a symmetry of the Hamiltonian. At large distances and long times, fluctuations of the order parameter(s) are described by a continuum field theory, and these dominate the physics near such phase transitions. In this paper we show that near second order quantum phase transitions, subtle quantum interference effects can invalidate this paradigm. We present a theory of quantum critical points in a variety of experimentally relevant two-dimensional antiferromagnets. The critical points separate phases characterized by conventional `confining' order parameters. Nevertheless, the critical theory contains a new emergent gauge field, and `deconfined' degrees of freedom associated with fractionalization of the order parameters. We suggest that this new paradigm for quantum criticality may be the key to resolving a number of experimental puzzles in correlated electron systems.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

"Deconfined" quantum critical points does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with "Deconfined" quantum critical points, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and "Deconfined" quantum critical points will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-270298