Nonlinear sigma model description of deconfined quantum criticality in arbitrary dimensions

Abstract

In this paper, we propose using the nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) with the Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) term as a general description of deconfined quantum critical points that separate two spontaneously symmetry-breaking (SSB) phases in arbitrary dimensions. In particular, we discuss the suitable choice of the target space of the NLSM, which is in general the homogeneous space G/K, where GG is the UV symmetry and KK is generated by {\mathfrak k}={\mathfrak h}_1\cap {\mathfrak h}_2𝔨=𝔥1∩𝔥2, and {\mathfrak h}_i𝔥i is the Lie algebra of the unbroken symmetry in each SSB phase. With this specific target space, the symmetry defects in both SSB phases are on equal footing, and their intertwinement is captured by the WZW term. The DQCP transition is then tuned by proliferating the symmetry defects. By coupling the G/KG/K NLSM with the WZW term to the background gauge field, the ’t Hooft anomaly of this theory can be determined. The bulk symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phase that cancels the anomaly is described by the relative Chern-Simons term in odd spacetime dimensions or mixed \thetaθ term in even dimensions. We construct and discuss a series of models with Grassmannian symmetry defects in 3+1d. We also provide the fermionic model that reproduces the G/KG/K NLSM with the WZW term.