arXiv subjects

Alexander Stottmeister

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander Stottmeister.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

Conformal field theory from lattice fermions

We provide a rigorous lattice approximation of conformal field theories given in terms of lattice fermions in 1+1-dimensions, focussing on free fermion models and Wess-Zumino-Witten models. To this end, we utilize a recently introduced operator-algebraic framework for Wilson-Kadanoff renormalization. In this setting, we prove the convergence of the approximation of the Virasoro generators by the Koo-Saleur formula. From this, we deduce the convergence of lattice approximations of conformal correlation functions to their continuum limit. In addition, we show how these results lead to explicit error estimates pertaining to the quantum simulation of conformal field theories.

math-ph↗

arXiv2022

Self-Adjointness of Toeplitz Operators on the Segal-Bargmann Space

We prove a new criterion that guarantees self-adjointness of Toeplitz operator with unbounded operator-valued symbols. Our criterion applies, in particular, to symbols with Lipschitz continuous derivatives, which is the natural class of Hamiltonian functions for classical mechanics. For this we extend the Berger-Coburn estimate to the case of vector-valued Segal-Bargmann spaces. Finally, we apply our result to prove self-adjointness for a class of (operator-valued) quadratic forms on the space of Schwartz functions in the Schrödinger representation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2022

Anyon braiding and the renormalization group

A braiding operation defines a real-space renormalization group for anyonic chains. The resulting renormalization group flow can be used to define a quantum scaling limit by operator-algebraic renormalization. It is illustrated how this works for the Ising chain, also known as transverse-field Ising model. In this case, the quantum scaling limit results in the vacuum state of the well-known Ising CFT. Distinguishing between the braiding and its inverse is directly related to the chiral sectors of the Ising CFT. This has direct implications for the simulation of CFTs on topological quantum computers.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Scaling limits of lattice quantum fields by wavelets

We present a rigorous renormalization group scheme for lattice quantum field theories in terms of operator algebras. The renormalization group is considered as an inductive system of scaling maps between lattice field algebras. We construct scaling maps for scalar lattice fields using Daubechies' wavelets, and show that the inductive limit of free lattice ground states exists and the limit state extends to the familiar massive continuum free field, with the continuum action of spacetime translations. In particular, lattice fields are identified with the continuum field smeared with Daubechies' scaling functions. We compare our scaling maps with other renormalization schemes and their features, such as the momentum shell method or block-spin transformations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Operator-algebraic renormalization and wavelets

We report on a rigorous operator-algebraic renormalization group scheme and construct the continuum free field as the scaling limit of Hamiltonian lattice systems using wavelet theory. A renormalization group step is determined by the scaling equation identifying lattice observables with the continuum field smeared by compactly supported wavelets. Causality follows from Lieb-Robinson bounds for harmonic lattice systems. The scheme is related with the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz and augments the semi-continuum limit of quantum systems.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum Simulation of Conformal Field Theory

Conformal field theory, describing systems with scaling symmetry, plays a crucial role throughout physics. We describe a quantum algorithm to simulate the dynamics of conformal field theories, including the action of local conformal transformations. A full analysis of the approximation errors suggests near-term applicability of our algorithm: promising results for conformal field theories with central charge c=1/2 are obtained already with 128 logical qubits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Operator-algebraic construction of gauge theories and Jones' actions of Thompson's groups

Using ideas from Jones, lattice gauge theory and loop quantum gravity, we construct 1+1-dimensional gauge theories on a spacetime cylinder. Given a separable compact group $G$, we construct localized time-zero fields on the spatial torus as a net of C*-algebras together with an action of the gauge group that is an infinite product of $G$ over the dyadic rationals and, using a recent machinery of Jones, an action of Thompson's group $T$ as a replacement of the spatial diffeomorphism group. Adding a family of probability measures on the unitary dual of $G$ we construct a state and obtain a net of von Neumann algebras carrying a state-preserving gauge group action. For abelian $G$, we provide a very explicit description of our algebras. For a single measure on the dual of $G$, we have a state-preserving action of Thompson's group and semi-finite von Neumann algebras. For $G=\mathbf{S}$ the circle group together with a certain family of heat-kernel states providing the measures, we obtain hyperfinite type III factors with a normal faithful state providing a nontrivial time evolution via Tomita-Takesaki theory (KMS condition). In the latter case, we additionally have a non-singular action of the group of rotations with dyadic angles, as a subgroup of Thompson's group $T$, for geometrically motivated choices of families of heat-kernel states.

math-ph↗

arXiv2019

Canonical quantization of 1+1-dimensional Yang-Mills theory: An operator-algebraic approach

We present a mathematically rigorous canonical quantization of Yang-Mills theory in 1+1 dimensions (YM$_{1+1}$) by operator-algebraic methods. The latter are based on Hamiltonian lattice gauge theory and multi-scale analysis via inductive limits of $C^{*}$-algebras which are applicable in arbitrary dimensions. The major step, restricted to one spatial dimension, is the explicitly construction of the spatially-localized von Neumann algebras of time-zero fields in the time gauge in representations associated with scaling limits of Gibbs states of the Kogut-Susskind Hamiltonian. We relate our work to existing results about YM$_{1+1}$ and its counterpart in Euclidean quantum field theory (YM$_{2}$). In particular, we show that the operator-algebraic approach offers a unifying perspective on results about YM$_{1+1}$ obtained by Dimock as well as Driver and Hall, especially regarding the existence of dynamics. Although our constructions work for non-abelian gauge theory, we obtain the most explicit results in the abelian case by applying the results of our recent companion article. In view of the latter, we also discuss relations with the construction of unitary representations of Thompson's groups by Jones. To understand the scaling limits arising from our construction, we explain our findings via a rigorous adaptation of the Wilson-Kadanoff renormalization group, which connects our construction with the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA). Finally, we discuss potential generalizations and extensions to higher dimensions ($d+1\geq 3$).

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Structural aspects of loop quantum gravity and loop quantum cosmology from an algebraic perspective

We comment on structural properties of the algebras $\mathfrak{A}_{LQG/LQC}$ underlying loop quantum gravity and loop quantum cosmology, especially the representation theory, relating the appearance of the (dynamically induced) superselection structure ($θ$-sectors) in loop quantum cosmology to recently proposed representations with non-degenerate background geometries in loop quantum gravity with Abelian structure group. To this end, we review and employ the concept of extending a given (observable) algebra with possibly non-trivial centre to a (charged) field algebra with (global) gauge group.We also interpret the results in terms of the geometry of the structure group G. Furthermore, we analyze the Koslowski-Sahlmann representations with non-degenerate background in the case of a non-Abelian structure group. We find that these representations can be interpreted from two different, though related, points view: Either, the standard algebras of loop quantum gravity need to be extended by a (possibly) central term, or the elementary flux vector fields need to acquire a shift related to the (classical) background to make these representations well-defined. Both perspectives are linked by the fact that the background shift is not an automorphism of the algebras, but rather an affine transformation. Finally, we show how similar algebraic mechanisms, which are used to explain the breaking of chiral symmetry and the occurrence of $θ$-vacua in quantum field theory, extend to loop quantum gravity. Thus, opening a path for the discussion of these questions in loop quantum gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

The microlocal spectrum condition, initial value formulations and background independence

We analyze the implications of the microlocal spectrum/Hadamard condition for states in a (linear) quantum field theory on a globally hyperbolic spacetime $M$ in the context of a (distributional) initial value formulation. More specifically, we work in a $3+1$-split $M\cong\mathbb{R}\timesΣ$ and give a bound, independent of the spacetime metric, on the wave front sets of the initial data for a quasi-free Hadamard state in the quantum field theory defined by a normally hyperbolic differential operator $P$ acting in a vector bundle $E\stackrelπ{\rightarrow}M$. This aims at a possible way to apply the concept of Hadamard states within approaches to quantum field theory/gravity relying on a Hamiltonian formulation, potentially without a (classical) background metric $g$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Coherent states, quantum gravity and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, I: General considerations

This article, as the first of three, aims at establishing the (time-dependent) Born-Oppenheimer approximation, in the sense of space adiabatic perturbation theory, for quantum systems constructed by techniques of the loop quantum gravity framework, especially the canonical formulation of the latter. The analysis presented here fits into a rather general framework, and offers a solution to the problem of applying the usual Born-Oppenheimer ansatz for molecular (or structurally analogous) systems to more general quantum systems (e.g. spin-orbit models) by means of space adiabatic perturbation theory. The proposed solution is applied to a simple, finite dimensional model of interacting spin systems, which serves as a non-trivial, minimal model of the aforesaid problem. Furthermore, it is explained how the content of this article, and its companion, affect the possible extraction of quantum field theory on curved spacetime from loop quantum gravity (including matter fields).

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Coherent states, quantum gravity and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, II: Compact Lie Groups

In this article, the second of three, we discuss and develop the basis of a Weyl quantisation for compact Lie groups aiming at loop quantum gravity-type models. This Weyl quantisation may serve as the main mathematical tool to implement the program of space adiabatic perturbation theory in such models. As we already argued in our first article, space adiabatic perturbation theory offers an ideal framework to overcome the obstacles that hinder the direct implementation of the conventional Born-Oppenheimer approach in the canonical formulation of loop quantum gravity. Additionally, we conjecture the existence of a new form of the Segal-Bargmann-Hall "coherent state" transform for compact Lie groups $G$, which we prove for $G=U(1)^{n}$ and support by numerical evidence for $G=SU(2)$. The reason for conjoining this conjecture with the main topic of this article originates in the observation, that the coherent state transform can be used as a basic building block of a coherent state quantisation (Berezin quantisation) for compact Lie groups $G$. But, as Weyl and Berezin quantisation for $\mathbb{R}^{2d}$ are intimately related by heat kernel evolution, it is natural to ask, whether a similar connection exists for compact Lie groups, as well. Moreover, since the formulation of space adiabatic perturbation theory requires a (deformation) quantisation as minimal input, we analyse the question to what extent the coherent state quantisation, defined by the Segal-Bargmann-Hall transform, can serve as basis of the former.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Coherent states, quantum gravity and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, III: Applications to loop quantum gravity

In this article, the third of three, we analyse how the Weyl quantisation for compact Lie groups presented in the second article of this series fits with the projective-phase space structure of loop quantum gravity-type models. Thus, the proposed Weyl quantisation may serve as the main mathematical tool to implement the program of space adiabatic perturbation theory in such models. As we already argued in our first article, space adiabatic perturbation theory offers an ideal framework to overcome the obstacles that hinder the direct implementation of the conventional Born-Oppenheimer approach in the canonical formulation of loop quantum gravity.

math-ph↗

arXiv2013

Loop quantum gravity without the Hamiltonian constraint

We show that under certain technical assumptions, including the existence of a constant mean curvature (CMC) slice and strict positivity of the scalar field, general relativity conformally coupled to a scalar field can be quantised on a partially reduced phase space, meaning reduced only with respect to the Hamiltonian constraint and a proper gauge fixing. More precisely, we introduce, in close analogy to shape dynamics, the generator of a local conformal transformation acting on both, the metric and the scalar field, which coincides with the CMC gauge condition. A new metric, which is invariant under this transformation, is constructed and used to define connection variables which can be quantised by standard loop quantum gravity methods. While it is hard to address dynamical problems in this framework (due to the complicated 'time' function), it seems, due to good accessibility properties of the CMC gauge, to be well suited for problems such as the computation of black hole entropy, where actual physical states can be counted and the dynamics is only of indirect importance. The corresponding calculation yields the surprising result that the usual prescription of fixing the Barbero-Immirzi parameter beta to a constant value in order to obtain the well-known formula S = a(Phi) A/(4G) does not work for the black holes under consideration, while a recently proposed prescription involving an analytic continuation of beta to the case of a self-dual space-time connection yields the correct result. Also, the interpretation of the geometric operators gets an interesting twist, which exemplifies the deep relationship between observables and the choice of a time function and has consequences for loop quantum cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

On a partially reduced phase space quantisation of general relativity conformally coupled to a scalar field

The purpose of this paper is twofold: On the one hand, after a thorough review of the matter free case, we supplement the derivations in our companion paper on 'loop quantum gravity without the Hamiltonian constraint' with calculational details and extend the results to standard model matter, a cosmological constant, and non-compact spatial slices. On the other hand, we provide a discussion on the role of observables, focussed on the situation of a symmetry exchange, which is key to our derivation. Furthermore, we comment on the relation of our model to reduced phase space quantisations based on deparametrisation.

gr-qc↗