The breaking of continuous scale invariance to discrete scale invariance: a universal quantum phase transition

TL;DR

This paper reviews the phenomenon where continuous scale invariance in quantum phase transitions breaks into discrete scale invariance, highlighting its universal features, theoretical implications, and recent experimental observations, especially in graphene.

Contribution

It synthesizes theoretical insights and experimental findings on the transition from continuous to discrete scale invariance in quantum systems, emphasizing recent graphene studies.

Findings

Geometric ladder of eigenstates formation

Low energy universality without fixed points

Observation of scale anomalies and BKT scaling

Abstract

We provide a review on the physics associated with phase transitions in which continuous scale invariance is broken into discrete scale invariance. The rich features of this transition characterized by the abrupt formation of a geometric ladder of eigenstates, low energy universality without fixed points, scale anomalies and Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless scaling is described. The important role of this transition in various celebrated single and many body quantum systems is discussed along with recent experimental realizations. Particular focus is devoted to a recent realization in graphene.