String Theory, Quantum Phase Transitions, and the Emergent Fermi Liquid

TLDR

String theory, originally developed for gravity and high‑energy physics, is being applied to highly correlated electron systems where conventional tools fail to explain exotic behaviors such as quantum criticality and superconductivity. The study investigates whether aspects of string theory can provide a framework for describing exotic condensed‑matter states. The authors demonstrate that characteristic properties of a Fermi liquid can emerge from a string‑theory–based approach. The paper is authored by Čubrović et al.

Abstract

String Theory and Condensed Matter The complex interactions involving highly correlated electron systems can give rise to “exotic behavior” in electronic systems, such as quantum criticality and superconductivity. The usual theoretical tools, however, are limited when describing these states. String theory is a highly mathematical approach initially developed to describe gravity and high-energy particle physics. Certain aspects of string theory may be relevant to describe condensed matter systems. Čubrović et al. (p. 439 ; published online 25 June) take one such approach, and show that the characteristic properties of a Fermi liquid can emerge from string theory. The formulation may provide an approach to describing the exotic states of matter that arise in condensed matter systems.