Related papers: $(k,n)$-fractonic Maxwell theory
We present a covariant field-theoretical framework for a rank-4 tensor gauge field theory describing fractonic string-like objects. We show that the most general quadratic, parity-preserving action naturally leads to a Maxwell-like sector,…
Motivated by the prediction of fractonic topological defects in a quantum crystal, we utilize a reformulated elasticity duality to derive a description of a fracton phase in terms of coupled vector U(1) gauge theories. The fracton order and…
Fractons, excitations with restricted mobility, have emerged as a novel paradigm in high-energy and condensed matter physics, revealing deep connections to gauge theories and gravity. Here, we propose a tensorial generalization of…
We formulate a covariant version of Maxwell-like fracton electrodynamics in six dimensions using a symmetric tensor gauge field with scalar gauge symmetry $\delta A_{\mu\nu}=\partial_\mu\partial_\nu\Lambda$. This provides a relativistic…
We consider the theory of a generic rank-2 tensor field in three spacetime dimensions, which involves a symmetric tensor field transforming under infinitesimal diffeomorphisms, and a vector field, whose gauge transformation depends on a…
We review a burgeoning field of "fractons" -- a class of models where quasi-particles are strictly immobile or display restricted mobility that can be understood through generalized multipolar symmetries and associated conservation laws.…
We show that the main properties of the fracton quasiparticles can be derived from a generalized covariant Maxwell-like action. Starting from a rank-2 symmetric tensor field $A_{\mu\nu}(x)$, we build a partially symmetric rank-3 tensor…
Fractons are gapped point-like excitations in $d=3$ topological ordered phases whose motion is constrained. They have been discovered in several gapped models but a unifying physical mechanism for generating them is still missing. It has…
A powerful mechanism for constructing gauge theories is to start from a theory with a global symmetry, then apply the "gauge principle," which demands that this symmetry hold locally. For example, the global phase rotation of a system of…
We revisit the first principles gauge theoretical construction of relativistic gapless fracton theory developed by A.~Blasi and N.~Maggiore. The difference is that, instead of considering a symmetric tensor field, we consider a vector field…
We review what is known about fracton phases of quantum matter. Fracton phases are characterized by excitations that exhibit restricted mobility, being either immobile under local Hamiltonian dynamics, or mobile only in certain directions.…
Fractonic matter with dipole symmetry can be coupled to a two-index symmetric tensor gauge field. In this work, we show that this symmetric tensor field, along with other related generalized Maxwell theories, can be consistently coupled to…
Fracton theories possess exponentially degenerate ground states, excitations with restricted mobility, and nontopological higher-form symmetries. This paper shows that such theories can be defined on arbitrary spatial lattices in three…
We consider the theory of a symmetric tensor field in 4D, invariant under a subclass of infinitesimal diffeomorphism transformations, where the vector diff parameter is the 4-divergence of a scalar parameter. The resulting gauge symmetry…
We consistently couple simple continuum field theories with fracton excitations to curved spacetime backgrounds. We consider homogeneous and isotropic fracton field theories, with a conserved $U(1)$ charge and dipole moment. Coupling to…
We construct a covariant and gauge-invariant theory describing massive fractons in three spacetime dimensions, based on a symmetric rank-2 tensor field. The model includes a Chern-Simons-like term that plays a dual role: it generates a…
We broaden the scope of quantum field theory by introducing a general class of discrete gauge theories that realize either topological order or fracton behavior across dimensions. We start from translation-invariant systems endowed with…
Fractonic phases are new phases of matter that host excitations with restricted mobility. We show that a certain class of gapless fractonic phases are realized as a result of spontaneous breaking of continuous higher-form symmetries whose…
We offer a fractonic perspective on a familiar observation -- a flat sheet of paper can be folded only along a straight line if one wants to avoid the creation of additional creases or tears. Our core underlying technical result is the…
We demonstrate the existence of a fundamentally new type of excitation, fractonic lines, which are line-like excitations with the restricted mobility properties of fractons. These excitations, described using an amalgamation of higher-form…