Fractionalization in the cuprates: detecting the topological order

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials
• Topological Phases of Matter

Background:

• Fractionalized phases in dimensions higher than one are theoretically defined by topological order.
• Experimental characterization of these phases remains a significant challenge in condensed matter physics.
• The underdoped cuprates are a key area of research where electron fractionalization is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a physical effect directly consequential to topological order.
• To enable precise experimental characterization of fractionalized phases.
• To propose definitive experiments to verify electron fractionalization in underdoped cuprates.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical description of a physical effect linked to topological order.
• Proposal of specific experimental setups ('smoking-gun' experiments).
• Focus on observable consequences of fractionalization in specific material systems.

Main Results:

• Identification of a robust physical effect stemming from topological order.
• The proposed effect provides a direct probe for fractionalized phases.
• The experiments are designed to unambiguously distinguish fractionalization phenomena.

Conclusions:

• Topological order is a key theoretical concept for understanding fractionalized phases.
• The proposed physical effect and experiments offer a pathway for experimental validation.
• This work aims to resolve the question of electron fractionalization in underdoped cuprates.