String Theory on Thin Semiconductors: Holographic Realization of Fermi Points and Surfaces

Soo-Jong Rey

Published 2009-11-27Version 1

I make a novel contact between string theory and degenerate fermion dynamics in thin semiconductors. Utilizing AdS/CFT correspondence in string theory and tunability of coupling parameters in condensed matter systems, I focus on the possibilities testing string theory from tabletop experiments. I first discuss the observation that stability of Fermi surface is classifiable according to K-theory. I then elaborate two concrete realization of Fermi surfaces of zero and two dimensions. Both are realized by complex of D3-branes and D7-branes of relative codimension 6 and 4, respectively. The setup with Fermi point models gauge dynamics of multiply stacked graphenes at half-filling. I show that string theory predicts dynamical generation of mass gap and metal-insulator quantum phase transition at zero temperature. I emphasize that conformally invariant gauge theory dynamics of the setup plays a crucial role, leading to novel conformal phase transition. The setup with Fermi surface is in collaboration with Dongsu Bak and is based on charged black hole and models relativistic Fermi liquid. We find positive evidence for this identification from both equilibrium thermodynamics at or near zero temperature and out-of-equilibrium linear response and transport properties. I argue that fluctuation of black hole horizon provides holographic realization consistent with Fermi liquid for thermodynamics and interesting departures therefrom in transport properties.