Fractionalization in the cuprates: detecting the topological order.
The precise theoretical characterization of a fractionalized phase in spatial dimensions higher than one is through the concept of "topological order." We describe a physical effect that is a robust and a direct consequence of this hidden order that should enable a precise experimental characterization of fractionalized phases. In particular, we propose specific "smoking-gun" experiments to unambiguously settle the issue of electron fractionalization in the underdoped cuprates.
Senthil
T
T
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-4030, USA.
Fisher
M P
MP