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String theory, quantum phase transitions, and the emergent Fermi liquid
Mihailo Cubrović1, Jan Zaanen, Koenraad Schalm
1Institute-Lorentz for Theoretical Physics, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9506, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 27, 2009
Summary
String theory mathematics describes fermionic quantum critical states, crucial for understanding phase transitions in materials like superconductors. This approach reveals Fermi liquid properties by analyzing quantum critical fields through a gravitational lens.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Condensed Matter Physics
- String Theory
- High-Energy Physics
Background:
- A key challenge is understanding quantum phase transitions in strongly correlated systems.
- Fermi liquids in heavy fermion intermetallics and superconductors are of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply string theory mathematics to describe fermionic quantum critical states.
- To compute spectral functions of fermions in these critical states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence.
- Related fermionic quantum critical fields to a gravitational problem.
- Calculated fermion spectral functions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that string theory can describe fermionic quantum critical states.
- Observed the emergence of Fermi liquid features by increasing fermion density.
- The study provides a novel theoretical framework for quantum criticality.
Conclusions:
- String theory offers a powerful mathematical framework for studying quantum phase transitions.
- The AdS/CFT correspondence provides insights into the behavior of strongly correlated fermions.
- This research bridges concepts from condensed matter physics and quantum gravity.
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