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The precise theoretical characterization of a fractionalized phase in spatial dimensions higher than one is through the concept of "topological order." We describe a physical effect that is a robust and a direct consequence of this hidden order that should enable a precise experimental characterization of fractionalized phases. In particular, we propose specific "smoking-gun" experiments to unambiguously settle the issue of electron fractionalization in the underdoped cuprates.
Senthil et al. (Mon,) studied this question.