Lattice field theory simulations of Dirac semimetals

In this paper the observed Dirac semimetals Na$_3$Bi and Cd$_3$As$_2$ are studied within lattice simulation. We formulate lattice field theory with rooted staggered fermions on anisotropic lattice. It is shown that in the limit of zero temporal lattice spacing this theory reproduces low energy effective theory of Dirac semimetals. Using this lattice theory we study the phase diagram of Dirac semimetals in the plane effective coupling constant--Fermi velocity anisotropy. Within the formulated theory the results are practically volume independent in contrast with our previous study. Our results confirm our previous finding that within the Dirac model with bare Coulomb interaction both Na$_3$Bi and Cd$_3$As$_2$ lie deep in the insulator phase.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables, typo in Eq. (20) corrected, Appendix adde

Theory of incommensurate magnetic correlations across the insulator-superconductor transition in underdoped La_{2-x}Sr_xCuO_4

The main feature in the elastic neutron scattering of La_{2-x}Sr_xCuO_4 is the existence of incommensurate peaks with positions that jump from 45 to 0 degrees at 5% doping. We show that the spiral state of the t-t'-t''-J model with realistic parameters describes this data perfectly. We explain why in the insulator the peak is at 45 degrees while it switches to 0 degrees precisely at the insulator-metal transition. The calculated positions of the peaks are in agreement with the data in both phases.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure; minor change

Catalysis of Dynamical Chiral Symmetry Breaking by Chiral Chemical Potential in Dirac semimetals

In this paper we study how dynamical chiral symmetry breaking is affected by nonzero chiral chemical potential in Dirac semimetals. To perform this study we applied lattice quantum Monte Carlo simulations of Dirac semimetals. Within lattice simulation we calculated the chiral condensate for various fermion masses, the chiral chemical potentials and effective coupling constants. For all parameters under consideration we have found that the chiral condensate is enhanced by chiral chemical potential. Thus our results confirms that in Dirac semimetals the chiral chemical potential plays a role of the catalyst of the dynamical chiral symmetry breaking.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Lattice Quantum Monte Carlo Study of Chiral Magnetic Effect in Dirac Semimetals

In this paper Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) in Dirac semimetals is studied by means of lattice Monte Carlo simulation. We measure conductivity of Dirac semimetals as a function of external magnetic field in parallel $\sigma_{\parallel}$ and perpendicular $\sigma_{\perp}$ to the external field directions. The simulations are carried out in three regimes: semimetal phase, onset of the insulator phase and deep in the insulator phase. In the semimetal phase $\sigma_{\parallel}$ grows whereas $\sigma_{\perp}$ drops with magnetic field. Similar behaviour was observed in the onset of the insulator phase but conductivity is smaller and its dependence on magnetic field is weaker. Finally in the insulator phase conductivities $\sigma_{\parallel, \perp}$ are close to zero and do not depend on magnetic field. In other words, we observe manifestation of the CME current in the semimetal phase, weaker manifestation of the CME in the onset of the insulator phase. We do not observe signatures of CME in the insulator phase. We believe that the suppression of the CME current in the insulator phase is connected to chiral symmetry breaking and generation of dynamical fermion mass which take place in this phase.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Screening of Coulomb Impurities in Graphene

We calculate exactly the vacuum polarization charge density in the field of a subcritical Coulomb impurity, $Z|e|/r$, in graphene. Our analysis is based on the exact electron Green's function, obtained by using the operator method, and leads to results that are exact in the parameter $Z\alpha$, where $\alpha$ is the "fine structure constant" of graphene. Taking into account also electron-electron interactions in the Hartree approximation, we solve the problem self-consistently in the subcritical regime, where the impurity has an effective charge $Z_{eff}$, determined by the localized induced charge. We find that an impurity with bare charge Z=1 remains subcritical, $Z_{eff} \alpha < 1/2$, for any $\alpha$, while impurities with $Z=2,3$ and higher can become supercritical at certain values of $\alpha$.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

AC Hopping Magnetotransport Across the Spin Flop Transition in Lightly Doped La_2CuO_4

The weak ferromagnetism present in insulating La_{2}CuO_4 at low doping leads to a spin flop transition, and to transverse (interplane) hopping of holes in a strong external magnetic field. This results in a dimensional crossover 2D $\to$ 3D for the in-plane transport, which in turn leads to an increase of the hole's localization length and increased conduction. We demonstrate theoretically that as a consequence of this mechanism, a frequency-dependent jump of the in-plane ac hopping conductivity occurs at the spin flop transition. We predict the value and the frequency dependence of the jump. Experimental studies of this effect would provide important confirmation of the emerging understanding of lightly doped insulating La_{2-x}Sr_xCuO_4.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur