Fractionalization of Particles in Physics
Invertible Topological Phases of Matter

A graduate-level text on fractionalization of particles in physics, using an example-driven approach and including end-of-chapter exercises.

Christopher Mudry (Author), Claudio Chamon (Author)

9781107009547, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 January 2025

907 pages
25 x 17.5 x 4.7 cm, 1.706 kg

This book explores the fractionalization of particles in physics, how interactions between individual particles and with their background can modify their fundamental quantum states. Covering a large breadth of topics with an example-driven approach, this comprehensive text explains why phases of matter must be described in terms of both symmetries and their topology. The majority of important results are derived in full with explanations provided, while exercises at the end of each section allow readers to extend and develop their understanding of key topics. The first part presents polyacetylene as the paradigmatic material in which electric charge can be fractionalized, while the second part introduces the notion of invertible topological phases of matter. The final part is devoted to the 'ten-fold way', a classification of topological insulators or superconductors. The text requires a solid understanding of quantum mechanics and is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in physics.

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction and overview
2. Modeling polyacetylene
3. Fractionalization in polyacetylene
4. Sharpness of the fractional charge
5. From spin-1/2 cluster c chains to Majorana c chains
6. The Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorem
7. Fractionalization in quantum wires
8. The tenfold way: Gapped phases in any dimensions.

Subject Areas: Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]