Multiferroic Quantum Criticality

The zero-temperature limit of a continuous phase transition is marked by a quantum critical point, which can generate exotic physics that extends to elevated temperatures. Magnetic quantum criticality is now well known, and has been widely explored [1]. Ferroelectric quantum critical behavior has also been recently established [2], motivating a flurry of research investigating its consequences. In this talk, I will present the concept of multiferroic quantum criticality -- in which both magnetic and ferroelectric quantum criticality occur in the same system -- that we have recently proposed [3]. I will describe the phenomenology of multiferroic quantum critical behavior, its emergence in complex transition metal perovskite oxides and propose candidate materials in which it should be observable.

[1] S. Sachdev, Quantum phase transitions (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011).
[2] S. Rowley et al., Nature Physics 10, 367 (2014).
[3] A. Narayan, A. Cano, A.V. Balatsky, and N.A. Spaldin, arXiv:1711.07989.