Memory matrix theory of magnetotransport in strange metals

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework using the memory matrix formalism to describe magnetotransport in strange metals, capturing their unique diffusive and slow relaxation properties, and relates it to experimental observations in cuprates.

Contribution

It introduces a memory matrix approach to model magnetotransport in strange metals, extending previous hydrodynamic and holographic results to include thermoelectric effects.

Findings

Derived general expressions for electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric transport coefficients.

Showed agreement with hydrodynamic and holographic models in certain limits.

Connected theoretical results to experimental measurements in cuprate strange metals.

Abstract

We model strange metals as quantum liquids without quasiparticle excitations, but with slow momentum relaxation, and with slow diffusive dynamics of a conserved charge and energy. General expressions are obtained for electrical, thermal and thermoelectric transport in the presence of an applied magnetic field using the memory matrix formalism. In the appropriate limits, our expressions agree with previous hydrodynamic and holographic results. We discuss the relationship of such results to thermoelectric and Hall transport measurements in the strange metal phase of the hole-doped cuprates.