Capturing quantum phase transition in the ultraviolet region by holography

Abstract

We reveal for the first time that ultraviolet (UV) observables can diagnose quantum phase transitions (QPTs). In a class of holographic models exhibiting metal-insulator transitions, we study two types of UV observables -- high-frequency conductivity and short-range entanglement. Remarkably, we find that the derivatives of these UV observables exhibit extrema near the quantum critical point. Analytical results show these critical behaviors arise from the deformation of the asymptotic bulk geometry. Moreover, these UV diagnostics show enhanced robustness to thermal fluctuations compared to typical infrared (IR) diagnostics, providing a clean method to identify quantum criticality at finite temperature. This work opens a new window for exploring quantum critical phenomena via UV physics in the laboratory.