Quantum criticality at the Anderson transition: A typical medium theory perspective

Abstract

We present a complete analytical and numerical solution of the Typical Medium Theory (TMT) for the Anderson metal-insulator transition. In this theory, we self-consistently calculate the typical amplitude of the electron wave-We present a complete analytical and numerical solution of the Typical Medium Theory (TMT) for the Anderson metal-insulator transition. This approach self-consistently calculates the typical amplitude of the electronic wave-functions, thus representing the conceptually simplest order-parameter theory for the Anderson transition. We identify all possible universality classes for the critical behavior, which can be found within such a mean-field approach. This provides insights into how interaction-induced renormalizations of the disorder potential may produce qualitative modifications of the critical behavior. We also formulate a simplified description of the leading critical behavior, thus obtaining an effective Landau theory for Anderson localization.