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Field Theories for type-II fractons

by Weslei B. Fontana, Pedro R. S. Gomes, Claudio Chamon

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Submission summary

Authors (as registered SciPost users): Weslei Fontana · Pedro Gomes
Submission information
Preprint Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.02713v3  (pdf)
Date accepted: 2022-01-03
Date submitted: 2021-10-19 14:30
Submitted by: Fontana, Weslei
Submitted to: SciPost Physics
Ontological classification
Academic field: Physics
Specialties:
  • Condensed Matter Physics - Theory
  • High-Energy Physics - Theory
Approach: Theoretical

Abstract

We derive an effective field theory for a type-II fracton starting from the Haah code on the lattice. The effective topological theory is not given exclusively in terms of an action; it must be supplemented with a condition that selects physical states. Without the constraint, the action only describes a type-I fracton. The constraint emerges from a condition that cube operators multiply to the identity, and it cannot be consistently implemented in the continuum theory at the operator level, but only in a weaker form, in terms of matrix elements of physical states. Informed by these studies and starting from the opposite end, i.e., the continuum, we discuss a Chern-Simons-like theory that does not need a constraint or projector, and yet has no mobile excitations. Whether this continuum theory admits a lattice counterpart remains unanswered.

Author comments upon resubmission

First of all, we would like to apologize for the delay in providing this reply. We are very grateful to the referees for the pertinent criticisms. Following their comments, we have carefully revised the manuscript and addressed all the requested changes.

Sincerely,

The authors

Published as SciPost Phys. 12, 064 (2022)


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Anonymous Report 1 on 2021-11-7 (Invited Report)

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I appreciate the changes the authors have made. I think it is ready for publication in SciPost.

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