Dimensional decoupling at continuous quantum critical Mott transitions

Abstract

For continuous Mott metal-insulator transitions in layered two-dimensional systems, we demonstrate the phenomenon of dimensional decoupling: the system behaves as a three-dimensional metal in the Fermi-liquid side but as a stack of decoupled two-dimensional layers in the Mott insulator. We show that the dimensional decoupling happens at the Mott quantum critical point itself. We derive the temperature dependence of the interlayer electric conductivity in various crossover regimes near such a continuous Mott transition, and discuss experimental implications.