Quantum Critical Theory Research Articles

Quantum critical Eliashberg theory, the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev superconductor and their holographic duals

Superconductivity is abundant near quantum critical points, where fluctuations suppress the formation of Fermi liquid quasiparticles and the BCS theory no longer applies. Two very distinct approaches have been developed to address this issue: quantum-critical Eliashberg theory and holographic superconductivity. The former includes a strongly retarded pairing interaction of ill-defined fermions, the latter is rooted in the duality of quantum field theory and gravity theory. We demonstrate that both are different perspectives of the same theory. We derive holographic superconductivity in form of a gravity theory with emergent space-time from a quantum many-body Hamiltonian—the Yukawa Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model—where the Eliashberg formalism is exact. Exploiting the power of holography, we then determine the dynamic pairing susceptibility of the model. Our holographic map comes with the potential to use quantum gravity corrections to go beyond the Eliashberg regime.

Renormalization group in quantum critical theories with Harris-marginal disorder

We develop a renormalization group for weak Harris-marginal disorder in otherwise strongly interacting quantum critical theories, focusing on systems which have emergent conformal invariance. Using conformal perturbation theory, we argue that previously proposed random lines of fixed points with Lifshitz scaling in fact flow towards other universal fixed points, and this flow is captured by a "one-loop" analysis. Our approach appears best controlled in theories with only a few operators with low scaling dimension. In this regime, we compare our predictions for the flow of disorder to holographic models, and find complete agreement.

Cornering the universal shape of fluctuations

Understanding the fluctuations of observables is one of the main goals in science, be it theoretical or experimental, quantum or classical. We investigate such fluctuations in a subregion of the full system, focusing on geometries with sharp corners. We report that the angle dependence is super-universal: up to a numerical prefactor, this function does not depend on anything, provided the system under study is uniform, isotropic, and correlations do not decay too slowly. The prefactor contains important physical information: we show in particular that it gives access to the long-wavelength limit of the structure factor. We exemplify our findings with fractional quantum Hall states, topological insulators, scale invariant quantum critical theories, and metals. We suggest experimental tests, and anticipate that our findings can be generalized to other spatial dimensions or geometries. In addition, we highlight the similarities of the fluctuation shape dependence with findings relating to quantum entanglement measures.

Hydrodynamic Diffusion and Its Breakdown near AdS2 Quantum Critical Points

Hydrodynamics provides a universal description of interacting quantum field theories at sufficiently long times and wavelengths, but breaks down at scales dependent on microscopic details of the theory. In the vicinity of a quantum critical point, it is expected that some aspects of the dynamics are universal and dictated by properties of the critical point. We use gauge-gravity duality to investigate the breakdown of diffusive hydrodynamics in two low temperature states dual to black holes with AdS$_2$ horizons, which exhibit quantum critical dynamics with an emergent scaling symmetry in time. We find that the breakdown is characterized by a collision between the diffusive pole of the retarded Green's function with a pole associated to the AdS$_2$ region of the geometry, such that the local equilibration time is set by infra-red properties of the theory. The absolute values of the frequency and wavevector at the collision ($\omega_{eq}$ and $k_{eq}$) provide a natural characterization of all the low temperature diffusivities $D$ of the states via $D=\omega_{eq}/k_{eq}^2$ where $\omega_{eq}=2\pi\Delta T$ is set by the temperature $T$ and the scaling dimension $\Delta$ of an operator of the infra-red quantum critical theory. We confirm that these relations are also satisfied in an SYK chain model in the limit of strong interactions. Our work paves the way towards a deeper understanding of transport in quantum critical phases.

Critical scaling of the ac conductivity and momentum dissipation

The scaling of the AC conductivity in quantum critical holographic theories at finite density, finite temperature and in the presence of momentum dissipation is considered. It is shown that there is generically an intermediate window of frequencies in which the IR scaling of the AC conductivity is clearly visible.

Norms of Testimony in Broad Interdisciplinarity: The Case of Quantum Mechanics in Critical Theory

While much interdisciplinarity brings together proximate fields, broad interdisciplinarity sees integration between disciplines that are perceived to be non-neighboring. This paper argues that the heterogeneity among disciplines in broad interdisciplinarity calls for stricter epistemic norms of testimony for experts that act as translators between the disciplines than those suggested for intra-scientific testimony. The paper is structured around two case studies: the affective turn in social theorizing and the use of quantum mechanics in critical theory as exemplified by Vicky Kirby’s use of work by Karen Barad. These are argued to be instances of broad interdisciplinary borrowing where few translators have joint expertise in both disciplines. For most, therefore, the engagement with for instance the integration between quantum mechanics and critical theory is possible only by the aid of translators. For those without sufficient interactional expertise, however, the epistemic credentials of the translations they inevitably rely upon are inscrutable. Furthermore, any comparison between translations is challenged since translations are argued to be few due to the cognitive divergence between disciplines in broad interdisciplinarity. Consequently, the epistemic integrity of broad interdisciplinarity can only be secured through additional norms of testimony for translators. The paper proposes that (a) all translator’s testimony in broad interdisciplinarity must aim to be neutral with respect to disputed issues within the relevant disciplines and (b) any deviation from (a) must be clearly highlighted.

Identification of non-Fermi liquid fermionic self-energy from quantum Monte Carlo data

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations of correlated electron systems provide unbiased information about system behavior at a quantum critical point (QCP) and can verify or disprove the existing theories of non-Fermi liquid (NFL) behavior at a QCP. However, simulations are carried out at a finite temperature, where quantum critical features are masked by finite-temperature effects. Here, we present a theoretical framework within which it is possible to separate thermal and quantum effects and extract the information about NFL physics at T = 0. We demonstrate our method for a specific example of 2D fermions near an Ising ferromagnetic QCP. We show that one can extract from QMC data the zero-temperature form of fermionic self-energy Σ(ω) even though the leading contribution to the self-energy comes from thermal effects. We find that the frequency dependence of Σ(ω) agrees well with the analytic form obtained within the Eliashberg theory of dynamical quantum criticality, and obeys ω2/3 scaling at low frequencies. Our results open up an avenue for QMC studies of quantum critical metals.

Finite temperature effects in quantum systems with competing scalar orders

The study of the competition or coexistence of different ground states in many-body systems is an exciting and actual topic of research, both experimentally and theoretically. Quantum fluctuations of a given phase can suppress or enhance another phase depending on the nature of the coupling between the order parameters, their dynamics and the dimensionality of the system. The zero temperature phase diagrams of systems with competing scalar order parameters with quartic and bilinear coupling terms have been previously studied for the cases of a zero temperature bicritical point and of coexisting orders. In this work, we apply the Matsubara summation technique from finite temperature quantum field theory to introduce the effects of thermal fluctuations on the effective potential of these systems. This is essential to make contact with experiments. We consider two and three-dimensional materials characterized by a Lorentz invariant quantum critical theory, i.e., with dynamic critical exponent z = 1, such that time and space scale in the same way. We obtain that in both cases, thermal fluctuations lead to weak first-order temperature phase transitions, at which coexisting phases arising from quantum corrections become unstable. We show that above this critical temperature (Tc), the system presents scaling behavior consistent with that approaching a quantum critical point. Below the transition the specific heat has a thermally activated contribution with a gap related to the size of the domains of the ordered phases. We obtain that Tc decreases as a function of the distance to the zero temperature classical bicritical point (ZTCBP) in the coexistence region, implying that in our approach, the system attains the highest Tc above the fine tuned value of this ZTCBP.

Decoding quantum criticality from fermionic/parafermionic topological states

Under an appropriate symmetric bulk bipartition in a one-dimensional symmetry protected topological phase with the Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki matrix product state wave function for the odd integer spin chains, a bulk critical entanglement spectrum can be obtained, describing the excitation spectrum of the critical point separating the topological phase from the trivial phase with the same symmetry. Such a critical point is beyond the standard Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm for symmetry breaking phase transitions. Recently, the framework of matrix product states for topological phases with Majorana fermions/parafermions has been established. Here we first generalize these fixed-point matrix product states with the zero correlation length to the more generic ground-state wave functions with a finite correlation length for the general one-dimensional interacting Majorana fermion/parafermion systems. Then we employ the previous method to decode quantum criticality from the interacting Majorana fermion/parafermion matrix product states. The obtained quantum critical spectra are described by the conformal field theories with central charge $c\leq 1$, characterizing the quantum critical theories separating the fermionic/parafermionic topological phases from the trivial phases with the same symmetry.

From Birefringent Electrons to a Marginal or Non-Fermi Liquid of Relativistic Spin-1/2 Fermions: An Emergent Superuniversality.

We present the quantum critical theory of an interacting nodal Fermi liquid of quasirelativistic pseudospin-3/2 fermions that have a noninteracting birefringent spectrum with two distinct Fermi velocities. When such quasiparticles interact with gapless bosonic degrees of freedom that mediate either the long-range Coulomb interaction or its short range component (responsible for spontaneous symmetry breaking), in the deep infrared or quantum critical regime in two dimensions, the system is, respectively, described by a marginal- or a non-Fermi liquid of relativistic spin-1/2 fermions (possessing a unique velocity), and is always a marginal Fermi liquid in three dimensions. We consider a possible generalization of these scenarios to fermions with an arbitrary half-odd-integer spin, and conjecture that critical spin-1/2 excitations represent a superuniversal description of the entire family of interacting quasirelativistic fermions.

Quantum Field Theory of Nematic Transitions in Spin-Orbit-Coupled Spin-1 Polar Bosons

We theoretically study an ultracold gas of spin-1 polar bosons in a one-dimensional continuum, which are subject to linear and quadratic Zeeman fields and a Raman induced spin orbit coupling. Concentrating on the regime in which the background fields can be treated perturbatively, we analytically solve the model in its low-energy sector; i.e., we characterize the relevant phases and the quantum phase transitions between them. Depending on the sign of the effective quadratic Zeeman field ε, two superfluid phases with distinct nematic order appear. In addition, we uncover a spin-disordered superfluid phase at strong coupling. We employ a combination of renormalization group calculations and duality transformations to access the nature of the phase transitions. At ε=0, a line of spin-charge separated pairs of Luttinger liquids divides the two nematic phases, and the transition to the spin-disordered state at strong coupling is of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless type. In contrast, at ε≠0, the quantum critical theory separating nematic and strong coupling spin-disordered phases contains a Luttinger liquid in the charge sector that is coupled to a Majorana fermion in the spin sector (i.e., the critical theory at finite ε maps to a quantum critical Ising model that is coupled to the charge Luttinger liquid). Because of an emergent Lorentz symmetry, both have the same logarithmically diverging velocity. We discuss the experimental signatures of our findings that are relevant to ongoing experiments in ultracold atomic gases of ^{23}Na.

Environment-induced uncertainties on moving mirrors in quantum critical theories via holography

Environment effects on a n-dimensional mirror from the strongly coupled d-dimensional quantum critical fields with a dynamic exponent z in weakly squeezed states are studied by the holographic approach. The dual description is a n+1-dimensional probe brane moving in the d+1-dimensional asymptotic Lifshitz geometry with gravitational wave perturbations. Using the holographic influence functional method, we find that the large coupling constant of the fields reduces the position uncertainty of the mirror, but enhances the momentum uncertainty. As such, the product of the position and momentum uncertainties is independent of the coupling constant. The proper choices of the phase of the squeezing parameter might reduce the uncertainties, nevertheless large values of its amplitude always lead to the larger uncertainties due to the fact that more quanta are excited as compared with the corresponding normal vacuum and thermal states. In the squeezed vacuum state, the position and momentum of the mirror gain maximum uncertainties from the field at the dynamic exponent z=n+2 when the same squeezed mode is considered. As for the squeezed thermal state, the contributions of thermal fluctuations to the uncertainties decrease as the temperature increases in the case 1<z<n+2, whereas for z>n+2 the contributions increase as the temperature increases. These results are in sharp contrast with those in the environments of the relativistic free field. Some possible observable effects are discussed.

Renormalization of global entanglement and Bell nonlocality in the Ising model with a transverse field

By combining quantum renormalization group approach and critical theory, we investigate the performance of global entanglement and Bell nonlocality in quantum phase transition (QPT) that occurred in Ising model with a transverse field (ITF). After several iterations, both of them gradually develop two different saturated values relevant to the Ising phase and paramagnetic phase. Moreover, we proved that the inherent block–block correlation is strong enough to violate the quantum nonlocality. What is more, we derive an exact relation between global entanglement and Bell nonlocality for the given case. To serve further insight, the nonanalytic and scaling behaviors are analyzed.

Calculation of the magnetotransport for a spin-density-wave quantum critical theory in the presence of weak disorder

We compute the Hall angle and the magnetoresistance of the spin-fermion model, which is a successful phenomenological theory to describe the physics of the cuprates and iron-based superconductors within a wide range of doping regimes. We investigate both the role of the spin-fermion interaction that couples the large-momentum antiferromagnetic fluctuations to the so-called “hot-spots” at the Fermi surface and also of an effective higher-order composite operator in the theory. The latter operator provides a scattering mechanism such that the momentum transfer for the fermions close to the Fermi surface can be small. We also include weak disorder that couples to both the bosonic order-parameter field and the fermionic degrees of freedom. Since the quasiparticle excitations were shown in recent works to be destroyed at the “hot-spots” in the low-energy limit of the model, we employ the Mori-Zwanzig memory matrix approach that permits the evaluation of all transport coefficients without assuming well-defined Landau quasiparticles in the system. We then apply this transport theory to discuss universal metallic-state properties as a function of temperature and magnetic field of the cuprates from the perspective of their fermiology, which turn out to be in qualitative agreement with key experiments in those materials.

A holographic description of negative energy states

Using the AdS/CFT duality, we study the expectation value of stress tensor in $2+1$-dimensional quantum critical theories with a general dynamical scaling $z$, and explore various constrains on negative energy density for strongly coupled field theories. The holographic dual theory is the theory of gravity in 3+1-dimensional Lifshitz backgrounds. We adopt a consistent approach to obtain the boundary stress tensor from bulk construction, which satisfies the trace Ward identity associated with Lifshitz scaling symmetry. In particular, the boundary stress tensor, constructed from the gravitational wave deformed Lifshitz geometry, is found up to second order in gravitational wave perturbations. {The result} is compared to its counterpart in free {scalar} field theory at the same order in an expansion of small squeezing parameters. This allows us to relate the boundary values of gravitational waves to the squeezing parameters of squeezed vacuum states. We find that, in both cases with $z=1$, the stress tensor satisfies the averaged null energy condition, and is consistent with the quantum interest conjecture. Moreover, the negative lower bound on null-contracted stress tensor, which is averaged over time-like trajectories along nearly null directions, is obtained. We find a weaker constraint on the magnitude and duration of negative null energy density in strongly coupled field theory as compared with the constraint in free relativistic field theory. The implications are discussed.

Subvacuum effects in quantum critical theories from a holographic approach

Subvacuum phenomena on a massive particle induced by a squeezed vacuum state of strongly coupled critical fields with a dynamical scaling $z$ are studied by employing the holographic approach. The corresponding dual description is the string moving in the 4+1-dimensional Lifshitz geometry. The squeezed vacuum state is constructed from the Bogoliubov transformations of the creation and annihilation operators of the pure vacuum state as a result from the perturbed geometry. Then the influence on particle's velocity dispersion from the squeezed vacuum is studied. With appropriate choices of squeezing parameters, the velocity dispersion is found smaller than the value caused by the normal vacuum fluctuations. This leads to a subvacuum effect. We find that the reduction in the velocity dispersion is suppressed by a large coupling constant of quantum critical fields, but is in principle observable. We then investigate the effect of the squeezed vacuum to the decoherence dynamics of a quantum particle. It is found possible for this decoherence to be below the level from the pure vacuum, rendering another subvacuum phenomenon of recoherence. We make some estimates of the degree of recoherence, and show that, in contrary to the velocity dispersion, the recoherence effect is proportional to the large coupling constant, and can potentially be observed. Finally we make a comparison with the effect on the particle influenced by a relativistic free field with the dynamical scaling $z=1$.

Uniaxial ferroelectric quantum criticality in multiferroic hexaferrites BaFe12O19 and SrFe12O19.

BaFe12O19 is a popular M-type hexaferrite with a Néel temperature of 720 K and is of enormous commercial value ($3 billion/year). It is an incipient ferroelectric with an expected ferroelectric phase transition extrapolated to lie at 6 K but suppressed due to quantum fluctuations. The theory of quantum criticality for such uniaxial ferroelectrics predicts that the temperature dependence of the electric susceptibility χ diverges as 1/T3, in contrast to the 1/T2 dependence found in pseudo-cubic materials such as SrTiO3 or KTaO3. In this paper we present evidence of the susceptibility varying as 1/T3, i.e. with a critical exponent γ = 3. In general γ = (d + z – 2)/z, where the dynamical exponent for a ferroelectric z = 1 and the dimension is increased by 1 from deff = 3 + z to deff = 4 + z due to the effect of long-range dipole interactions in uniaxial as opposed to multiaxial ferroelectrics. The electric susceptibility of the incipient ferroelectric SrFe12O19, which is slightly further from the quantum phase transition is also found to vary as 1/T3.

Thermal conductivity at a disordered quantum critical point

Strongly disordered and strongly interacting quantum critical points are difficult to access with conventional field theoretic methods. They are, however, both experimentally important and theoretically interesting. In particular, they are expected to realize universal incoherent transport. Such disordered quantum critical theories have recently been constructed holographically by deforming a CFT by marginally relevant disorder. In this paper we find additional disordered fixed points via relevant disordered deformations of a holographic CFT. Using recently developed methods in holographic transport, we characterize the thermal conductivity in both sets of theories in 1+1 dimensions. The thermal conductivity is found to tend to a constant at low temperatures in one class of fixed points, and to scale as $T^{0.3}$ in the other. Furthermore, in all cases the thermal conductivity exhibits discrete scale invariance, with logarithmic in temperature oscillations superimposed on the low temperature scaling behavior. At no point do we use the replica trick.

Incoherent transport in clean quantum critical metals

In a clean quantum critical metal, and in the absence of umklapp, most d.c. conductivities are formally infinite due to momentum conservation. However, there is a particular combination of the charge and heat currents which has a finite, universal conductivity. In this paper, we describe the physics of this conductivity $\sigma_Q$ in quantum critical metals obtained by charge doping a strongly interacting conformal field theory. We show that it satisfies an Einstein relation and controls the diffusivity of a conserved charge in the metal. We compute $\sigma_Q$ in a class of theories with holographic gravitational duals. Finally, we show how the temperature scaling of $\sigma_Q$ depends on certain critical exponents characterizing the quantum critical metal. The holographic results are found to be reproduced by the scaling analysis, with the charge density operator becoming marginal in the emergent low energy quantum critical theory.

Emergent scale invariance of disordered horizons

We construct planar black hole solutions in AdS3 and AdS4 in which the boundary CFT is perturbed by marginally relevant quenched disorder. We show that the entropy density of the horizon has the scaling temperature dependence s ∼ T (d−1)/z (with d = 2, 3). The dynamical critical exponent z is computed numerically and, at weak disorder, analytically. These results lend support to the claim that the perturbed CFT flows to a disordered quantum critical theory in the IR.