Non-trivial Infrared Structure in (2+1)-Dimensional Quantum Electrodynamics and Non-Fermi Liquid Behaviour

Abstract

I review recent work on the infrared structure of (2+1)-dimensional Abelian gauge theories and their application to condensed matter physics. In particular, within a large-N Schwinger-Dyson treatment, and including an `infrared momentum cut-off', I demonstrate the existence of a non-trivial infrared fixed point of the renormalization group. I connect this property to non-fermi liquid low-energy behaviour, and I attempt to draw some conclusions about the possible application of this approach to an understanding of the normal and superconducting phases of planar high-temperature superconducting cuprates.

7 pages LATEX, one figure included. Invited Talk at the `Strong Coupling Gauge Theories 96' International Conference, Nagoya (Japan), November 12-17 1996, to appear in the Proceedings (World Sci.)