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arXiv · 1303.3041

Field theory of the quantum Hall nematic transition

J. Maciejko·B. Hsu·S. A. Kivelson·YeJe Park·S. L. Sondhi
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Abstract

The topological physics of quantum Hall states is efficiently encoded in purely topological quantum field theories of the Chern-Simons type. The reliable inclusion of low-energy dynamical properties in a continuum description however typically requires proximity to a quantum critical point. We construct a field theory that describes the quantum transition from an isotropic to a nematic Laughlin liquid. The soft mode associated with this transition approached from the isotropic side is identified as the familiar intra-Landau level Girvin-MacDonald-Platzman mode. We obtain z=2 dynamic scaling at the critical point and a description of Goldstone and defect physics on the nematic side. Despite the very different physical motivation, our field theory is essentially identical to a recent "geometric" field theory for a Laughlin liquid proposed by Haldane.

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J. Maciejko, B. Hsu, S. A. Kivelson, YeJe Park, S. L. Sondhi. 2013-03-12. Field theory of the quantum Hall nematic transition. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.88.125137

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