Exotic ZN symmetries, duality, and fractons in 3

Following our earlier analyses of nonstandard continuum quantum field theories, we study here gapped systems in 3 + 1 dimensions, which exhibit fractonic behavior. In particular, we present three dual field theory descriptions of the low-energy physics of the X-cube model. A key aspect of our constructions is the use of discontinuous fields in the continuum field theory. Spacetime is continuous, but the fields are not.

Automated summary

In this study, gapped systems exhibiting fractonic behavior in 3+1 dimensions were analyzed, with a focus on three dual field theory descriptions of the low-energy physics of the X-cube model. The key aspect of the constructions was the utilization of discontinuous fields in the continuum field theory, demonstrating that while spacetime is continuous, the fields are not.