Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Theory
Scientific paper
2011-06-16
Phys.Rev.D84.066007,2011
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Theory
16pages, 10 figures
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevD.84.066007
We use holography to study the spontaneous condensation of a neutral order parameter in a (2+1)-dimensional field theory at zero-temperature and finite density, dual to the electron star background of Hartnoll and Tavanfar. An appealing feature of this field theory is the emergence of an IR Lifshitz fixed-point with a finite dynamical critical exponent $z$, which is due to the strong interaction between critical bosonic degrees of freedom and a finite density of fermions (metallic quantum criticality). We show that under some circumstances the electron star background develops a neutral scalar hair whose holographic interpretation is that the boundary field theory undergoes a quantum phase transition, with a Berezinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless character, to a phase with a neutral order parameter. Including the backreaction of the bulk neutral scalar on the background, we argue that the two phases across the quantum critical point have different $z$, a novelty that exists in certain quantum phase transitions in condensed matter systems. We also analyze the system at finite temperature and find that the phase transition becomes, as expected, second-order. Embedding the neutral scalar into a higher form, a variety of interesting phases could potentially be realized for the boundary field theory. Examples which are of particular interest to condensed matter physics include an antiferromagnetic phase where a vector condenses and break the spin symmetry, a quadrupole nematic phase which involves the condensation of a symmetric traceless tensor breaking rotational symmetry, or different phases of a system with competing order parameters.
Edalati Mohammad
Lo Ka Wai
Phillips Philip W.
No associations
LandOfFree
Neutral Order Parameters in Metallic Criticality in d=2+1 from a Hairy Electron Star 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 Neutral Order Parameters in Metallic Criticality in d=2+1 from a Hairy Electron Star, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Neutral Order Parameters in Metallic Criticality in d=2+1 from a Hairy Electron Star will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-189490