Abstract:

String-net condensation in spin models gives rise to a new form of matter. The collective excitations in string-net condensed phases can behave just like the light and electrons in our vacuum. This suggests that light and electrons (as well as other elementary particles) may originate from a string-net condensation in our vacuum. In addition, the string-net picture indicates how to make artificial photons, artificial electrons, and artificial quarks in condensed matter systems.
 
 
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