Dynamical signature of fractionalization at a deconfined quantum critical point

Recent theoretical research has focused on exciting new types of phase transitions that do not appear to fit within standard paradigms. In so-called $d{{0}{0ex}}e{{0}{0ex}}c{{0}{0ex}}o{{0}{0ex}}n{{0}{0ex}}f{{0}{0ex}}i{{0}{0ex}}n{{0}{0ex}}e{{0}{0ex}}d$ quantum phase transitions, the conventional quasiparticle used in standard mathematical descriptions must be replaced by fractionalized (``split-up'') quasiparticles. Here, the authors present calculations aimed directly at the most promising experimental investigations, where the quasiparticles or their fractionalized parts are directly probed, for example, by neutron scattering. They present calculations of the spectral functions measured in such experiments to exhibit the deconfined transition and fractionalization phenomenon therein between a magnetic and a nonmagnetic phase. These results are useful for interpreting experimental results and guiding searches for deconfined phase transitions in quantum materials consisting of layered structures, in which the interactions between electrons are strong and lead to unconventional electronic and magnetic properties.