Holographic axion model: A simple gravitational tool for quantum matter

• Published in: Science China. Physics, mechanics & astronomy Vol. 64; no. 7; p. 270001
• Main Authors: Baggioli, Matteo, Kim, Keun-Young, Li, Li, Li, Wei-Jia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Science China Press 01.07.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Astronomy; Classical and Continuum Physics; Controllability; Elastic properties; Field theory; Fluid mechanics; Gravity; Holography; Homogeneity; Hypothetical particles; Invited Review; Observations and Techniques; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Science; Theoretical physics; translational symmetry breaking; 52.25.Fi; gauge/gravity duality; 73.22.Gk; 04.70.Bw; 11.25.Tq; holographic axion; effective field theory
• ISSN: 1674-7348; 1869-1927
• DOI: 10.1007/s11433-021-1681-8

This is a complete and exhaustive review on the so-called holographic axion model—a bottom-up holographic system characterized by the presence of a set of shift symmetric scalar bulk fields whose profiles are taken to be linear in the spatial coordinates. This simple model implements the breaking of translational invariance of the dual field theory by retaining the homogeneity of the background geometry and therefore allowing for controllable and fast computations. The usages of this model are very vast and they are a proof of the spectacular versatility of the framework. In this review, we touch upon all the up-to-date aspects of this model from its connection with massive gravity and effective field theories, to its role in modeling momentum dissipation and elastic properties ending with all the phenomenological features and its hydrodynamic description. In summary, this is a complete guide to one of the most used models in Applied Holography and a must-read for any researcher entering this field.