Dartmouth Events

Physics and Astronomy Quantum Nano Seminar - Simon Martin, UCSD

Title: Field-Theoretic Studies of Exotic Quantum Criticality

7/28/2026
2 pm – 3 pm
Wilder 202 and Zoom
Intended Audience(s): Public
Categories: Lectures & Seminars, School of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) are zero-temperature phase transitions driven by quantum fluctuations and accessed by tuning a non-thermal parameter. In this talk, I will discuss two types of unconventional QPTs, primarily from a field-theoretic perspective. First, I will present a model consisting of a lattice of single-impurity multichannel Kondo dots, for which analytical and numerical results reveal a “dimensionality-changing” quantum phase transition between dynamically decoupled zero-dimensional non-Fermi liquids and a one-dimensional valence-bond-solid phase. I will then turn to QPTs involving symmetric mass generation (SMG), a new mechanism for gapping fermions beyond the conventional Landau-Ginzburg paradigm. I will discuss a two-dimensional lattice model in which previous numerical studies established SMG, and for which we have developed a perturbative framework to identify and characterize the universal properties of the associated quantum critical point.

Hosted by Assistant Professor Rufus Boyack

Zoom Meeting Link: https://dartmouth.zoom.us/j/98435866316 

For more information, contact:
Samantha Marcotte
samantha.j.marcotte@dartmouth.edu
Permanent URL to this event: https://physics.dartmouth.edu/events/event?event=82165

Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.