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arXiv · 1111.2606

Fractionalization of holographic Fermi surfaces

Sean A. Hartnoll·Liza Huijse
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Abstract

Zero temperature states of matter are holographically described by a spacetime with an asymptotic electric flux. This flux can be sourced either by explicit charged matter fields in the bulk, by an extremal black hole horizon, or by a combination of the two. We refer to these as mesonic, fully fractionalized and partially fractionalized phases of matter, respectively. By coupling a charged fluid of fermions to an asymptotically AdS_4 Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory, we exhibit quantum phase transitions between all three of these phases. The onset of fractionalization can be either a first order or continuous phase transition. In the latter case, at the quantum critical point the theory displays an emergent Lifshitz scaling symmetry in the IR.

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Sean A. Hartnoll, Liza Huijse. 2011-11-10. Fractionalization of holographic Fermi surfaces. https://doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381%2F29%2F19%2F194001

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