Deconfined Quantum Criticality among Grand Unified Theories

TL;DR

This paper explores how concepts of deconfined quantum criticality from condensed matter physics can be applied to understand quantum phase transitions among grand unified theories in high energy physics, revealing new phenomena and phases.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of deconfined quantum criticality to grand unified theories, highlighting the role of anomalies in predicting gapless critical regions and emergent phenomena.

Findings

Existence of a gapless deconfined quantum critical region between GUT models

Emergence of beyond Standard Model phenomena near the critical point

Role of nonperturbative anomalies in constraining phase structure

Abstract

This article overviews the recent developments in applying the idea of deconfined quantum criticality in condensed matter physics to understand quantum phase transitions among grand unified theories in high energy physics in the 4-dimensional spacetime. In particular, dictated by a mod 2 class nonperturbative global mixed gauge-gravitational anomaly, there can be a gapless deconfined quantum critical region between Georgi-Glashow and Pati-Salam models -- not only the Standard Model occurs as a neighbor phase, but also beyond the Standard Model phenomena (such as deconfined dark gauge force and fractionalized/fragmentary fermionic partons) emerge near the critical region.