Algebraic Fermi liquid from phase fluctuations: "topological" fermions, vortex "berryons" and QED3 theory of cuprate superconductors

Abstract

Within the phase fluctuation model for the pseudogap state of cuprate superconductors we identify a novel statistical "Berry phase" interaction between the nodal quasiparticles and fluctuating vortices. The effective action describing this model assumes the form of an anisotropic Euclidean quantum electrodynamics in (2+1) dimensions (QED_3) and naturally generates the marginal Fermi liquid behavior for its fermionic excitations. The doping axis in the x-T phase diagram emerges as a quantum critical line which regulates low energy fermiology. We examine the merits of our theory in light of available experiments.

5 pages REVTeX + 2 PostScript Figures. Final version to appear in PRL