Mutual Chern-Simons Landau-Ginzburg theory for continuous quantum phase transition of Z2 topological order

Abstract

In this paper, we develop an effective mutual Chern-Simons Landau-Ginzburg (MCSLG) theory to describe the continuous topological quantum phase transition (TQPT). In particular, we consider the TQPT between a spin-polarized phase (a state without topological order) and a Z[subscript 2] topologically ordered state. The TQPT is not induced by spontaneous symmetry breaking. Instead the [subscript 2]topological order is broken down by the condensation of [subscript 2] charged quasiparticles. By generalizing the hierarchy theory of fractional quantum Hall effect to [subscript 2] topological order, we show that the TQPT belongs to the universal class of three-dimensional Ising phase transition. In the end, we applied the MCSLG theory to the toric code model.