Fractionalization of Particles in Physics

This book explores the fractionalization of particles in physics, how interactions between individual particles and with their background can modify their fundamental quantum states. Covering a large breadth of topics with an example-driven approach, this comprehensive text explains why phases of matter must be described in terms of both symmetries and their topology. The majority of important results are derived in full with explanations provided, while exercises at the end of each section allow readers to extend and develop their understanding of key topics. The first part presents polyacetylene as the paradigmatic material in which electric charge can be fractionalized, while the second part introduces the notion of invertible topological phases of matter. The final part is devoted to the 'ten-fold way', a classification of topological insulators or superconductors. The text requires a solid understanding of quantum mechanics and is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in physics.

• Selected parts from the eight chapters can be used as the basis for a graduate level course on the topic
• Exercises at the end of each section provide additional explanation, offer alternative interpretations, or provide background material
• Bosons and fermions are both covered within the book, in addition to key topics such as the sharpness of fractional charges, and the effects of temperature and disorder
• Covers nearly five decades of research and progress in our understanding of insulators and metals