Exotic Symmetries, Duality, and Fractons in 2+1-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory

Understand

We discuss nonstandard continuum quantum field theories in 2+1 dimensions.

• They exhibit exotic global symmetries, a subtle spectrum of charged excitations, and dualities similar to dualities of systems in 1+1 dimensions.
• These continuum models represent the low-energy limits of certain known lattice systems.
• One key aspect of these continuum field theories is the important role played by discontinuous field configurations.