Quantum Field Theory of Exotic Systems - IPAM at UCLA

Explore the intricacies of quantum field theory applied to exotic systems in this comprehensive lecture by Nathan Seiberg from the Institute for Advanced Study. Delve into the challenges posed by fracton phases of matter to traditional beliefs about low-energy descriptions of lattice systems. Examine the relationship between lattice systems and continuum field theory, with a focus on incorporating exotic global symmetries. Investigate a detailed model with U(1) subsystem symmetry in 2+1 dimensions, its associated gauge theory, and the implications of Higgs mechanism on tensor gauge symmetry. Discover the peculiar mixing of short-distance details and long-distance phenomena in these systems, drawing parallels to UV/IR mixing in string theory. While primarily focusing on 2+1 dimensional models, gain insights into their 3+1 dimensional counterparts and their unique subtleties.