The quantum smectic as a dislocation Higgs phase

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical framework for quantum smectics in 2+1 dimensions, revealing a dislocation condensate that leads to a unique spectrum of phonon-like excitations.

Contribution

It introduces a topological quantum melting theory for quantum smectics, highlighting a dislocation Higgs phase with a dual shear superconductor description.

Findings

Dislocation condensate characterized by Burger's vector ordering.

Emergence of a novel spectrum of phonon-like modes.

Identification of a dislocation Higgs phase in quantum smectics.

Abstract

The theory describing quantum-smectics in 2+1 dimensions, based on topological quantum melting is presented. This is governed by a dislocation condensate characterized by an ordering of Burger's vector and this `dual shear superconductor' manifests itself in the form of a novel spectrum of phonon-like modes.