arXiv subjects

A. F. Reyes-Lega

Publications and source records attributed to A. F. Reyes-Lega.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Connes Distance in Discrete-Time Quantum Walks

We study the geometric spread of discrete-time quantum walks using Connes' distance formula. We introduce its discrete analogue by adapting the continuous spectral metric to the lattice, with the Dirac operator replaced by the unitary step operator. Focusing first on a (2+1)-dimensional quantum walk, we evaluate the dynamical spread of localized wavepackets to compare propagation in free space against that under a uniform magnetic field. We find that while the free walk shows linear ballistic growth, gauge-induced phases in the magnetic walk constrain the admissible test operators, suppressing the long-time geometric expansion. Furthermore, we apply this discrete framework to a (1+1)-dimensional plastic quantum walk simulating an inhomogeneous spatial metric. The results demonstrate that the discrete Connes distance naturally captures the underlying spatially varying metric, providing a robust measure of the wavepacket's spread that adapts directly to the local simulated geometry.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Renormalization on the DFR Quantum Spacetime

An approach to renormalization of scalar fields on the Doplicher-Fredenhagen-Roberts (DFR) quantum spacetime is presented. The effective non-local theory obtained through the use of states of optimal localization for the quantum spacetime is reformulated in the language of (perturbative) Algebraic Quantum Field Theory. The structure of the singularities associated to the non-local kernel that codifies the effects of noncommutativity is analyzed using the tools of microlocal analysis.

math-ph↗

arXiv2022

Entanglement Entropy in Quantum Mechanics: An Algebraic Approach

An algebraic approach to the study of entanglement entropy of quantum systems is reviewed. Starting with a state on a $C^*$-algebra, one can construct a density operator describing the state in the GNS representation state. Applications of this approach to the study of entanglement measures for systems of identical particles are outlined. The ambiguities in the definition of entropy within this approach are then related to the action of unitaries in the commutant of the representation and their relation to modular theory explained.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

A $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-Topological Index for Quasi-Free Fermions

We use infinite dimensional self-dual $\mathrm{CAR}$ $C^{*}$-algebras to study a $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-index, which classifies free-fermion systems embedded on $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$ disordered lattices. Combes-Thomas estimates are pivotal to show that the $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-index is uniform with respect to the size of the system. We additionally deal with the set of ground states to completely describe the mathematical structure of the underlying system. Furthermore, the weak$^{*}$-topology of the set of linear functionals is used to analyze paths connecting different sets of ground states.

math-ph↗

arXiv2022

A $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-Topological Index as a $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-State Index

Within the setting of infinite dimensional self-dual $\mathrm{CAR}$ $C^{*}$-algebras describing fermions in the $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$-lattice, we depart from the well-known Araki-Evans $σ(P_{1},P_{2})$ $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$-index for quasi-free fermion states and rewrite it in terms of states, rather than in terms of basis projections. Furthermore, we reformulate results which relate equivalences of Fock representations with the index parity into results which relate equivalences of GNS representations and the associated index parity.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Superselection, Boundary Algebras and Duality in Gauge Theories

We consider the generators of gauge transformations with test functions which do not vanish on the boundary of a spacelike region of interest. These are known to generate the edge degrees of freedom in a gauge theory. In this paper, we augment these by introducing the dual or magnetic analogue of such operators. We then study the algebra of these operators, focusing on implications for the superselection sectors of the gauge theory. A manifestly duality-invariant action is also considered, from which alternate descriptions which are $SL(2, \mathbb{Z})$ transforms of each other can be obtained. We also comment on a number of issues related to local charges, definition of confinement and the appearance of interesting mathematical structures such as the Drinfel'd double and the Manin triple.

hep-th↗

arXiv2021

Uncertainties in Quantum Measurements: A Quantum Tomography

The observables associated with a quantum system $S$ form a non-commutative algebra ${\mathcal A}_S$. It is assumed that a density matrix $ρ$ can be determined from the expectation values of observables. But $\mathcal A_S$ admits inner automorphisms $a\mapsto uau^{-1},\; a,u\in {\mathcal A}_S$, $u^*u=u^*u=1$, so that its individual elements can be identified only up to unitary transformations. So since $\mathrm{Tr} ρ(uau^*)= \mathrm{Tr} (u^*ρu)a$, only the spectrum of $ρ$, or its characteristic polynomial, can be determined in quantum mechanics. In local quantum field theory, $ρ$ cannot be determined at all, as we shall explain. However, abelian algebras do not have inner automorphisms, so the measurement apparatus can determine mean values of observables in abelian algebras ${\mathcal A}_M\subset {\mathcal A}_S$ ($M$ for measurement, $S$ for system). We study the uncertainties in extending $ρ|_{{\mathcal A}_M}$ to $ρ|_{{\mathcal A}_S}$ (the determination of which means measurement of ${\mathcal A}_S$) and devise a protocol to determine $ρ|_{{\mathcal A}_S}\equiv ρ$ by determining $ρ|_{{\mathcal A}_M}$ for different choices of ${\mathcal A}_M$. The problem we formulate and study is a generalization of the Kadison-Singer theorem. We give an example where the system $S$ is a particle on a circle and the experiment measures the abelian algebra of a magnetic field $B$ coupled to $S$. The measurement of $B$ gives information about the state $ρ$ of the system $S$ due to operator mixing. Associated uncertainty principles for von Neumann entropy are discussed in the appendix, adapting the earlier work of Białynicki-Birula and Mycielski to the present case.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

The Gauss Law: A Tale

The Gauss law plays a basic role in gauge theories, enforcing gauge invariance and creating edge states and superselection sectors. This article surveys these aspects of the Gauss law in QED, QCD and nonlinear $G/H$ models. It is argued that nonabelian superselection rules are spontaneously broken. That is the case with $SU(3)$ of colour which is spontaneously broken to $U(1)\times U(1)$. Nonlinear $G/H$ models are reformulated as gauge theories and the existence of edge states and superselection sectors in these models is also established.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

Emergent Gauge Symmetries and Quantum Operations

The algebraic approach to quantum physics emphasizes the role played by the structure of the algebra of observables and its relation to the space of states. An important feature of this point of view is that subsystems can be described by subalgebras, with partial trace being replaced by the more general notion of restriction to a subalgebra. This, in turn, has recently led to applications to the study of entanglement in systems of identical particles. In the course of those investigations on entanglement and particle identity, an emergent gauge symmetry has been found by Balachandran, de Queiroz and Vaidya. In this letter we establish a novel connection between that gauge symmetry, entropy production and quantum operations. Thus, let A be a system described by a finite dimensional observable algebra and $ω$ a mixed faithful state. Using the Gelfand-Naimark-Segal (GNS) representation we construct a canonical purification of $ω$, allowing us to embed A into a larger system C. Using Tomita-Takasaki theory, we obtain a subsystem decomposition of C into subsystems A and B, without making use of any tensor product structure. We identify a group of transformations that acts as a gauge group on A while at the same time giving rise to entropy increasing quantum operations on C. We provide physical means to simulate this gauge symmetry/quantum operation duality.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Majorana Fermions and Orthogonal Complex Structures

Ground states of quadratic Hamiltonians for fermionic systems can be characterized in terms of orthogonal complex structures. The standard way in which such Hamiltonians are diagonalized makes use of a certain "doubling" of the Hilbert space. In this work we show that this redundancy in the Hilbert space can be completely lifted if the relevant orthogonal structure is taken into account. Such an approach allows for a treatment of Majorana fermions which is both physically and mathematically transparent. Furthermore, an explicit connection between orthogonal complex structures and the topological $\mathbb Z_2$-invariant is given.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

Some Aspects of Operator Algebras in Quantum Physics

Motivated by the sharp contrast between classical and quantum physics as probability theories, in these lecture notes I introduce the basic notions of operator algebras that are relevant for the algebraic approach to quantum physics. Aspects of the representation theory of C*-algebras will be motivated and illustrated in physical terms. Particular emphasis will be given to explicit examples from the theory of quantum phase transitions, where concepts coming from strands as diverse as quantum information theory, algebraic quantum physics and statistical mechanics agreeably converge, providing a more complete picture of the physical phenomena involved.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Algebraic Approach to Entanglement and Entropy

We present a general approach to quantum entanglement and entropy that is based on algebras of observables and states thereon. In contrast to more standard treatments, Hilbert space is an emergent concept, appearing as a representation space of the observable algebra, once a state is chosen. In this approach, which is based on the Gelfand-Naimark-Segal construction, the study of subsystems becomes particularly clear. We explicitly show how the problems associated with partial trace for the study of entanglement of identical particles are readily overcome. In particular, a suitable entanglement measure is proposed, that can be applied to systems of particles obeying Fermi, Bose, para- and even braid group statistics. The generality of the method is also illustrated by the study of time evolution of subsystems emerging from restriction to subalgebras. Also, problems related to anomalies and quantum epistemology are discussed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2012

Entanglement, Particle Identity and the GNS Construction: A Unifying Approach

A novel approach to entanglement, based on the Gelfand-Naimark-Segal (GNS) construction, is introduced. It considers states as well as algebras of observables on an equal footing. The conventional approach to the emergence of mixed from pure ones based on taking partial traces is replaced by the more general notion of the restriction of a state to a subalgebra. For bipartite systems of nonidentical particles, this approach reproduces the standard results. But it also very naturally overcomes the limitations of the usual treatment of systems of identical particles. This GNS approach seems very general and can be applied for example to systems obeying para- and braid- statistics including anyons.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2011

On the geometry of quantum indistinguishability

An algebraic approach to the study of quantum mechanics on configuration spaces with a finite fundamental group is presented. It uses, in an essential way, the Gelfand-Naimark and Serre-Swan equivalences and thus allows one to represent geometric properties of such systems in algebraic terms. As an application, the problem of quantum indistinguishability is reformulated in the light of the proposed approach. Previous attempts aiming at a proof of the spin-statistics theorem in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are explicitly recast in the global language inherent to the presented techniques. This leads to a critical discussion of single-valuedness of wave functions for systems of indistinguishable particles. Potential applications of the methods presented in this paper to problems related to quantization, geometric phases and phase transitions in spin systems are proposed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2009

Remarks on the Configuration Space Approach to Spin-Statistics

The angular momentum operators for a system of two spin-zero indistinguishable particles are constructed, using Isham's Canonical Group Quantization method. This mathematically rigorous method provides a hint at the correct definition of (total) angular momentum operators, for arbitrary spin, in a system of indistinguishable particles. The connection with other configuration space approaches to spin-statistics is discussed, as well as the relevance of the obtained results in view of a possible alternative proof of the spin-statistics theorem.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2009

On the Geometry of the Berry-Robbins Approach to Spin-Statistics

Within a geometric and algebraic framework, the structures which are related to the spin-statistics connection are discussed. A comparison with the Berry-Robbins approach is made. The underlying geometric structure constitutes an additional support for this approach. In our work, a geometric approach to quantum indistinguishability is introduced which allows the treatment of singlevaluedness of wave functions in a global, model independent way.

math-ph↗

arXiv2008

Canonical Group Quantization, Rotation Generators and Quantum Indistinguishability

Using the method of canonical group quantization, we construct the angular momentum operators associated to configuration spaces with the topology of (i) a sphere and (ii) a projective plane. In the first case, the obtained angular momentum operators are the quantum version of Poincare's vector, i.e., the physically correct angular momentum operators for an electron coupled to the field of a magnetic monopole. In the second case, the obtained operators represent the angular momentum operators of a system of two indistinguishable spin zero quantum particles in three spatial dimensions. We explicitly show how our formalism relates to the one developed by Berry and Robbins. The relevance of the proposed formalism for an advance in our understanding of the spin-statistics connection in non-relativistic quantum mechanics is discussed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2007

Berry Phases, Quantum Phase Transitions and Chern Numbers

We study the relation between Chern numbers and Quantum Phase Transitions (QPT) in the XY spin-chain model. By coupling the spin chain to a single spin, it is possible to study topological invariants associated to the coupling Hamiltonian. These invariants contain global information, in addition to the usual one (obtained by integrating the Berry connection around a closed loop). We compute these invariants (Chern numbers) and discuss their relation to QPT. In particular we show that Chern numbers can be used to label regions corresponding to different phases.

cond-mat.str-el↗