QED in 2+1 Dimensions with Fermi and Gap Anisotropies

Abstract

QED in 2+1 dimensions has long been studied as a model field theory which exhibits both asymptotic freedom and non-trivial IR behaviour. There is also a trend towards viewing it as a candidate low energy effective theory for the pseudogap phase of high temperature superconductors. One feature of these theories is their lack of isotropy in the x and y directions (a common feature of Dirac theories in condensed matter systems). A model motivated by this work is outlined, and tentative evidence presented for chiral symmetry restoration as the relative anisotropy is increased.