Fractionalization Waves in Two-dimensional Dirac Fermions: Quantum Imprint from One Dimension

Abstract

Particle fractionalization is believed to orchestrate the physics of many strongly correlated systems, yet its direct experimental detection remains a challenge. We propose a simple measurement for an ultracold matter system, in which correlations in initially decoupled 1D chains are imprinted via quantum quench upon two-dimensional Dirac fermions. Luttinger liquid correlations launch relativistic "fractionalization waves" along the chains, while coupling noninteracting chains induces perpendicular dispersion. These could be easily distinguished in an ultracold gas experiment.

6+11 pages, 4+10 figures