Quantum Critical Eliashberg Theory

Quantum criticality plays a central role in understanding non-Fermi liquid behavior and unconventional superconductivity in strongly correlated systems. In this review, we explore the quantum critical Eliashberg theory, which extends conventional Eliashberg approaches to non-Fermi liquid regimes governed by critical fluctuations. We discuss the theoretical foundations and recent developments in the field, focusing on the interplay between electronic interactions and bosonic modes near quantum phase transitions as described in the Yukawa-coupled version of the Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev model. Special emphasis is placed on the breakdown of quasiparticle coherence, anomalous scaling behavior, Cooper pairing without quasiparticles, and emergent universality in different physical settings. Starting from a zero-dimensional quantum dot model, we discuss the generalization to higher spatial dimensions and demonstrate the connection between quantum critical Eliashberg theory and holographic superconductivity. Our analysis provides a perspective on how quantum criticality shapes the dynamics of strongly correlated metals and superconductors.

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Publication Details

Journal
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics
Published
2026-03-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-conmatphys-032822-042856
Primary Topic
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Quantum Critical Eliashberg Theory

Ilya Esterlis, Jörg Schmalian
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics
Topological Materials and Phenomena
article

Quantum Critical Eliashberg Theory

Ilya Esterlis, Jörg Schmalian
article en

Abstract

Quantum criticality plays a central role in understanding non-Fermi liquid behavior and unconventional superconductivity in strongly correlated systems. In this review, we explore the quantum critical Eliashberg theory, which extends conventional Eliashberg approaches to non-Fermi liquid regimes governed by critical fluctuations. We discuss the theoretical foundations and recent developments in the field, focusing on the interplay between electronic interactions and bosonic modes near quantum phase transitions as described in the Yukawa-coupled version of the Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev model. Special emphasis is placed on the breakdown of quasiparticle coherence, anomalous scaling behavior, Cooper pairing without quasiparticles, and emergent universality in different physical settings. Starting from a zero-dimensional quantum dot model, we discuss the generalization to higher spatial dimensions and demonstrate the connection between quantum critical Eliashberg theory and holographic superconductivity. Our analysis provides a perspective on how quantum criticality shapes the dynamics of strongly correlated metals and superconductors.

Annual Review of Condensed Matter PhysicsVol. 17(1)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Topological Materials and Phenomena
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