Title: On novel quantum criticality at a Continuous Metal-Insulator Transition

Speaker: Prof. Mukul Laad, IMSc, Chennai

Abstract: Correlation-driven Metal-insulator transitions are generically first order, while weak-or strong disorder-driven ones are truly quantum critical. We describe a hybrid model that incorporates arbitrarily strong disorder in conjuction with moderately strong, but dynamically generated interactions; a typical setting for recent surge of interest in many-body localization (MBL). Employing a novel cluster extension of DMFT, we explore novel signatures of Mott-like quantum criticality in (1) DC conductivity tensor (2) thermal transport, and (3) optical response, in particular, on the "universal dielectric response" and polarization fluctuations, across the continuous metal-insulator transition. If time permits, I will point out links to emergent glassiness, ergodicity breaking and MBL.