Low-energy Field Theory Research Articles

Multipole groups and fracton phenomena on arbitrary crystalline lattices

Multipole symmetries are of interest in multiple contexts, from the study of fracton phases, to nonergodic quantum dynamics, to the exploration of new hydrodynamic universality classes. However, prior explorations have focused on continuum systems or hypercubic lattices. In this work, we systematically explore multipole symmetries on arbitrary crystal lattices. We explain how, given a crystal structure (specified by a space group and the occupied Wyckoff positions), one may systematically construct all consistent multipole groups. We focus on two-dimensional crystal structures for simplicity, although our methods are general and extend straightforwardly to three dimensions. We classify the possible multipole groups on all two-dimensional Bravais lattices, and on the Kagome and breathing Kagome crystal structures to illustrate the procedure on general crystal lattices. Using Wyckoff positions, we provide an in-principle classification of all possible multipole groups in any space group. We explain how, given a valid multipole group, one may construct a consistent lattice Hamiltonian and a low-energy field theory. We then explore the physical consequences, beginning by generalizing certain results originally obtained on hypercubic lattices to arbitrary crystal structures. Next, we identify two apparently novel phenomena: an emergent, robust subsystem symmetry on the triangular lattice, and an exact multipolar symmetry on the breathing Kagome lattice that does not include conservation of charge (monopole), but instead conserves a vector charge. This makes clear that there is new physics to be found by exploring the consequences of multipolar symmetries on arbitrary lattices, and this work provides the map for the exploration thereof, as well as guiding the search for emergent multipolar symmetries and the attendant exotic phenomena in real materials based on nonhypercubic lattices.

Time-loops to spot torsion on bidimensional Dirac materials with dislocations

Assuming that, with some care, dislocations could be meaningfully described by torsion, we propose here a scenario based on an previously unexplored role of time in the low-energy Dirac field theory description of two-space-dimensional Dirac materials. Our approach is based on the realization of an exotic time-loop, that could be realized by an oscillating particle-hole pairs, to overcome well-known geometrical obstructions due to the luck of a spatial third dimension. General symmetry considerations allow to conclude that the effects we are looking for can only be seen if we move to the nonlinear response regime.

Fractonic Luttinger liquids and supersolids in a constrained Bose-Hubbard model

Dynamical constraints have drastic consequences for the properties of many-particle quantum systems. Here, the authors study the quantum ground state phases in a fracton system of interacting bosons with dipole conservation. Through a combination of low-energy field theory and tensor network simulations, they identify a novel dipole Luttinger liquid phase as well as a fracton analogue of a supersolid state.

Quantitative theory of composite fermions in Bose-Fermi mixtures at ν=1

Composite fermions provide a simple and unified picture to understand a vast amount of phenomenology in the quantum Hall regime. However it has remained challenging to formulate this concept properly within a single Landau level. Recently a low-energy noncommutative field theory for bosons at Landau-level filling factor $\nu=1$ has been formulated by Dong and Senthil. In the limit of long-wavelength and small-amplitude gauge fluctuation, they found it reduces to the celebrated Halperin-Lee-Read theory of composite fermion liquid. In this work we consider a Bose-Fermi mixture at total filling factor $\nu=1$. Different from previous work, the number density of composite fermions in the mixture and corresponding Fermi momentum can be tuned by changing the filling factor of bosons, $\nu_b = 1 -\nu_f$. This tunability enables us to study the dilute limit $\nu_b\ll 1$, which allows for a controlled and asymptotically exact calculation of the energy dispersion and effective mass of composite fermions. Furthermore, the approximation of the low-energy description by a commutative field theory is manifestly justified. Most importantly, we demonstrate gauge fluctuations acquire a Higgs mass due to the presence of a composite boson condensate, as a result of which the system behaves like a genuine Landau Fermi liquid. Combined with the irrelevance of four-fermion interaction in the dilute limit, we are able to obtain asymptotically exact properties of this composite fermion Fermi liquid. In the opposite limit of $\nu_f\ll 1$, the Higgs mass goes to zero and we find crossover between Fermi liquid and non-Fermi liquid as temperature increases. Observing these properties either experimentally or numerically provides unambiguous evidence of not only the composite fermions and the Fermi surface they form, but also the presence of emergent gauge fields and their fluctuations due to strong correlation.

Gapless Topological Phases and Symmetry-Enriched Quantum Criticality

We introduce topological invariants for gapless systems and study the associated boundary phenomena. More generally, the symmetry properties of the low-energy conformal field theory (CFT) provide discrete invariants, establishing the notion of symmetry-enriched quantum criticality. The charges of nonlocal scaling operators, or more generally of symmetry defects, are topological and imply the presence of localized edge modes. We primarily focus on the $1+1d$ case where the edge has a topological degeneracy, whose finite-size splitting can be exponential or algebraic in system size depending on the involvement of additional gapped sectors. An example of the former is given by tuning the spin-1 Heisenberg chain to a symmetry-breaking Ising phase. An example of the latter arises between the gapped Ising and cluster phases: this symmetry-enriched Ising CFT has an edge mode with finite-size splitting $\sim 1/L^{14}$. In addition to such new cases, our formalism unifies various examples previously studied in the literature. Similar to gapped symmetry-protected topological phases, a given CFT can split into several distinct symmetry-enriched CFTs. This raises the question of classification, to which we give a partial answer -- including a complete characterization of symmetry-enriched $1+1d$ Ising CFTs. Non-trivial topological invariants can also be constructed in higher dimensions, which we illustrate for a symmetry-enriched $2+1d$ CFT without gapped sectors.

Cubic forms, anomaly cancellation and modularity

Recently Freed and Hopkins [11] proved that there is no parity anomaly in M-theory on pin+ manifolds in the low-energy field theory approximation, and they also developed an algebraic theory of cubic forms. Earlier Witten [33] proved the anomaly cancellation for spin manifolds by introducing the E8-bundle technique. Motivated by the cubic forms and the anomaly cancellation formulas of Witten-Freed-Hopkins, we give some new cubic forms on spin, spinc, spinω2 and orientable 12-manifolds respectively. We relate them to η-invariants when the manifolds are with boundary, and mod 2 indices on 10 dimensional characteristic submanifolds when the manifolds are spinc or spinω2. Our method of producing these cubic forms is a combination of (generalized) Witten classes and the character of the basic representation of affine E8.

Heterobilayer moiré magnets: Moiré skyrmions and commensurate-incommensurate transitions

We study untwisted heterobilayers of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic van der Waals materials, with in particular a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in the ferromagnetic layer. A continuum low energy field theory is utilized to study such systems. We develop a phase diagram as a function of the strength of inter-layer exchange and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, combining perturbative and strong coupling analyses with numerical simulations using Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equations. Various moir\'e-periodic commensurate phases are found, and the commensurate-incommensurate transition is discussed. Among the commensurate phases, we observe an interesting skyrmion lattice phase wherein each moir\'e unit cell hosts one skyrmion.

Consistency of M-Theory on Non-Orientable Manifolds

Abstract We prove that there is no parity anomaly in M-theory in the low-energy field theory approximation. Our approach is computational. We determine the generators for the 12-dimensional bordism group of pin manifolds with a w1-twisted integer lift of w4; these are the manifolds on which Wick-rotated M-theory exists. The anomaly cancellation comes down to computing a specific η-invariant and cubic form on these manifolds. Of interest beyond this specific problem are our expositions of computational techniques for η-invariants, the algebraic theory of cubic forms, Adams spectral sequence techniques and anomalies for spinor fields and Rarita–Schwinger fields.

ZN lattice gauge theory in a ladder geometry

Under the perspective of realizing analog quantum simulations of lattice gauge theories, ladder geometries offer an intriguing playground, relevant for ultracold atom experiments. Here, we investigate Hamiltonian lattice gauge theories defined in two-leg ladders. We consider a model that includes both gauge boson and Higgs matter degrees of freedom with local $\mathbb{Z}_N$ gauge symmetries. We study its phase diagram based on both an effective low-energy field theory and density matrix renormalization group simulations. For $N\ge 5$, an extended gapless Coulomb phase emerges, which is separated by a Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition from the surrounding gapped phase. Besides the traditional confined and Higgs regimes, we also observe a novel quadrupolar region, originated by the ladder geometry.

Axionic band topology in inversion-symmetric Weyl-charge-density waves

In recent theoretical and experimental investigations, researchers have linked the low-energy field theory of a Weyl semimetal gapped with a charge-density wave (CDW) to high-energy theories with axion electrodynamics. However, it remains an open question whether a lattice regularization of the dynamical Weyl-CDW is in fact a single-particle axion insulator (AXI). In this Letter, we use analytic and numerical methods to study both lattice-commensurate and incommensurate minimal (magnetic) Weyl-CDW phases in the mean-field state. We observe that, as previously predicted from field theory, the two inversion- ($\mathcal{I}$-) symmetric Weyl-CDWs with $\phi = 0,\pi$ differ by a topological axion angle $\delta\theta_{\phi}=\pi$. However, we crucially discover that $neither$ of the minimal Weyl-CDW phases at $\phi=0,\pi$ is individually an AXI; they are instead quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) and "obstructed" QAH insulators that differ by a fractional translation in the modulated cell, analogous to the two phases of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model of polyacetylene. Using symmetry indicators of band topology and non-abelian Berry phase, we demonstrate that our results generalize to multi-band systems with only two Weyl fermions, establishing that minimal Weyl-CDWs unavoidably carry nontrivial Chern numbers that prevent the observation of a static magnetoelectric response. We discuss the experimental implications of our findings, and provide models and analysis generalizing our results to nonmagnetic Weyl- and Dirac-CDWs.

Luttinger liquid properties from tensor network data

We study the XXZ Heisenberg model in a staggered magnetic field using the HOTRG tensor renormalization method. Built into the tensor representation of the XXZ model is the U(1) symmetry, which is systematically maintained at each renormalization step. We determine the phase diagram of the model from the low lying spectrum, and from the finite size dependence of the spectrum we extract scaling dimensions, which are compared to predictions of low energy field theory.

Interacting Rice-Mele model: Bulk and boundaries

We investigate the interacting, one-dimensional Rice-Mele model, a prototypical fermionic model of topological properties. To set the stage, we firstly compute the single-particle spectral function, the local density, and the boundary charge in the absence of interactions. The boundary charge is fully determined by bulk properties indicating a bulk-boundary correspondence. In a large parameter regime it agrees with the one obtained from an effective low-energy theory (arXiv:2004.00463). Secondly, we investigate the robustness of our results towards two-particle interactions. To resum the series of leading logarithms for small gaps, which dismantle plain perturbation theory in the interaction, we use an essentially analytical renormalization group approach. It is controlled for small interactions and can directly be applied to the microscopic lattice model. We benchmark the results against numerical density matrix renormalization group data. The main interaction effect in the bulk is a power-law renormalization of the gap with an interaction dependent exponent. The important characteristics of the boundary charge are unaltered and can be understood from the renormalized bulk properties, elevating the bulk-boundary correspondence to the interacting regime. This requires a consistent treatment not only of the low-energy gap renormalization but also of the high-energy band width one. In contrast to low-energy field theories our renormalization group approach also provides the latter. We show that the interaction spoils the relation between the bulk properties and the number of edge states, consistent with the observation that the Rice-Mele model with finite potential modulation does not reveal any zero-energy edge states.

Entanglement entropy in low-energy field theories at a finite chemical potential

This work shows how the entanglement entropy behaves in a general system at finite chemical potential with an O(2) symmetry. In addition, a connection between the Higgs gap and the leading area-law term for the entanglement entropy is established.

Quantum anomalies in string-inspired running vacuum universe: Inflation and axion dark matter

In this letter, we elaborate further on a Cosmological “Running-Vacuum” type model for the Universe, suggested previously by the authors [1,2], within the context of a string-inspired effective theory in the presence of a Kalb-Ramond (KR) gravitational axion field which descends from the antisymmetric tensor of the massless gravitational string multiplet. In the presence of this field, which has anomalous CP violating interactions with the gravitons, primordial gravitational waves induce gravitational anomalies, which in turn are responsible for the appearance of H2 and H4 contributions to the vacuum energy density, these terms being characteristic of generic “running-vacuum-model (RVM) type”, where H is the Hubble parameter. In this work we prove in detail the appearance of the H4 terms due to gravitational-anomaly-induced condensates in the energy density of the primordial Universe, which can self-consistently induce inflation, and subsequent exit from it, according to the generic features of RVM. We also argue in favour of the robustness of our results, which were derived within an effective low-energy field theory approach, against Ultra Violet completion of the theory. During the radiation and matter-dominated eras, gravitational anomalies cancel, as required for the consistency of the quantum matter/radiation field theory. However, chiral and QCD-axion-type anomalies survive and have important consequences for both cosmic magnetogenesis and axionic dark matter in the Universe. Finally, the stringy RVM scenario presented here predicts quintessence-like dynamical dark energy for the current Universe, which is compatible with the existing fitting analyses of such model against observations.

Generalized Wen-Zee terms

Motivated by symmetry-protected topological phases (SPTs) with both spatial symmetry (e.g., lattice rotation) and internal symmetry (e.g., spin rotation), we propose a class of exotic topological terms, which generalize the well-known Wen-Zee topological terms of quantum Hall systems [X.-G. Wen and A. Zee, Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 953 (1992)]. These generalized Wen-Zee terms are expressed as wedge product of spin connection and usual gauge fields (1-form or higher) in various dimensions. In order to probe SPT orders, we externally insert "symmetry twists" like domain walls of discrete internal symmetry and disclinations that are geometric defects with nontrivial Riemann curvature. Then, generalized Wen-Zee terms simply tells us how SPTs respond to those symmetry twists. Classifying these exotic topological terms thus leads to a complete classification and characterization of SPTs within the present framework. We also propose SPT low-energy field theories, from which generalized Wen-Zee terms are deduced as topological response actions. Following the Abstract of Wen-Zee paper, our work enriches alternative possibilities of condensed-matter realization of unification of electromagnetism and "gravity".

Frustration-driven singlet superconductivity in the one-dimensional [formula omitted] model with positive interactions

Motivated by the discovery of iron-based superconductors, we analytically investigate the one-dimensional correlated electron system described by the t−U−J1−J2 model at weak coupling and at half filling. The low-energy field theory analysis combining the bosonization and renormalization-group scenario helps us to derive the quantum phase diagram, which includes a spin density wave phase, a bond order wave phase and a superconducting phase characterized by the coexistence of singlet superconductivity and charge density wave instabilities. The frustration J2 accounts for the realization of the superconductivity in the regime of positive interactions.

Investigation of a four-body coupling in the one-dimensional extended Penson–Kolb–Hubbard model

The experimental advances in cold fermion gases motivates the investigation of a one-dimensional (1D) correlated electronic system by incorporating a four-body coupling. Using the low-energy field theory scheme and focusing on the weak-coupling regime, we extend the 1D Penson–Kolb–Hubbard (PKH) model at half filling. It is found that the additional four-body interaction may significantly modify the quantum phase diagram, favoring the presence of the superconducting phase even in the case of two-body repulsions.

Double-stage nematic bond ordering above double stripe magnetism: Application to BaTi2Sb2O

Spin-driven nematicity, or the breaking of the point-group symmetry of the lattice without long-range magnetic order, is clearly quite important in iron-based superconductors. From a symmetry point of view, nematic order can be described as a coherent locking of spin fluctuations in two interpenetrating N\'eel sublattices with ensuing nearest-neighbor bond order and an absence of static magnetism. Here, we argue that the low-temperature state of the recently discovered superconductor ${\mathrm{BaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ is a strong candidate for a more exotic form of spin-driven nematic order, in which fluctuations occurring in four N\'eel sublattices promote both nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor bond order. We develop a low-energy field theory of this state and show that it can have, as a function of temperature, up to two separate bond-order phase transitions, namely, one that breaks rotation symmetry and one that breaks reflection and translation symmetries of the lattice. The resulting state has an orthorhombic lattice distortion, an intra-unit-cell charge density wave, and no long-range magnetic order, all consistent with reported measurements of the low-temperature phase of ${\mathrm{BaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$. We then use density functional theory calculations to extract exchange parameters to confirm that the model is applicable to ${\mathrm{BaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$.

(Non-adiabatic) string creation on nice slices in Schwarzschild black holes

Nice slices have played a pivotal role in the discussion of the black hole information paradox as they avoid regions of strong spacetime curvature and yet smoothly cut through the infalling matter and the outgoing Hawking radiation, thus, justifying the use of low energy field theory. To avoid information loss it has been argued recently, however, that local effective field theory has to break down at the horizon. To assess the extent of this breakdown in a UV complete framework we study string-theoretic effects on nice slices in Schwarzschild black holes. Our purpose is two-fold. First, we use nice slices to address various open questions and caveats of [1] where it was argued that boost-enhanced non-adiabatic string-theoretic effects at the horizon could provide a dynamical mechanism for the firewall. Second, we identify two non-adiabatic effects on nice slices in Schwarzschild black holes: pair production of open strings near the horizon enhanced by the presence of the infinite tower of highly excited string states and a late-time non-adiabatic effect intrinsic to nice slices.

Entanglement entropy ofU(1) quantum spin liquids

We here investigate the entanglement structure of the ground state of a (3+1)-dimensional U(1) quantum spin liquid, which is described by the deconfined phase of a compact U(1) gauge theory. A gapless photon is the only low-energy excitation, with matter existing as deconfined but gapped excitations of the system. It is found that, for a given bipartition of the system, the elements of the entanglement spectrum can be grouped according to the electric flux between the two regions, leading to a useful interpretation of the entanglement spectrum in terms of electric charges living on the boundary. The entanglement spectrum is also given additional structure due to the presence of the gapless photon. Making use of the Bisognano-Wichmann theorem and a local thermal approximation, these two contributions to the entanglement (particle and photon) are recast in terms of boundary and bulk contributions, respectively. Both pieces of the entanglement structure give rise to universal subleading terms (relative to the area law) in the entanglement entropy, which are logarithmic in the system size (log L), as opposed to the subleading constant term in gapped topologically ordered systems. The photon subleading logarithm arises from the low-energy conformal field theory and is essentially local in character. The particle subleading logarithm arises due to the constraint of closed electric loops in the wavefunction and is shown to be the natural generalization of topological entanglement entropy to the U(1) spin liquid. This contribution to the entanglement entropy can be isolated by means of the Grover-Turner-Vishwanath construction (which generalizes the Kitaev-Preskill scheme to three dimensions).