Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: We study a model for a quantum critical point in two spatial dimensions between a semimetallic phase, characterized by a stable quadratic Fermi node, and an ordered phase, in which the spectrum develops a band gap. The quantum critical behavior can be computed exactly, and we explicitly derive the scaling laws of various observables. While the order-parameter correlation function at criticality satisfies the usual power law with anomalous exponent ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}=2$, the correlation length and the expectation value of the order parameter exhibit essential singularities upon approaching the quantum critical point from the insulating side, akin to the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. The susceptibility, on the other hand, has a power-law divergence with non-mean-field exponent $\ensuremath{\gamma}=2$. On the semimetallic side, the correlation length remains infinite, leading to an emergent scale invariance throughout this phase.
Authors: Shouryya Ray, Matthias Vojta, Lukas Janssen
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W3001117822