arXiv subjects

Hubert Saleur

Publications and source records attributed to Hubert Saleur.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Conformally invariant boundary conditions in the antiferromagnetic Potts model and the $SL(2,\mathbb{R})/U(1)$ sigma model

We initiate a study of the boundary version of the square-lattice $Q$-state Potts antiferromagnet, with $Q \in [0,4]$ real, motivated by the fact that the continuum limit of the corresponding bulk model is a non-compact CFT, closely related with the $SL(2,\mathbb{R})_k/U(1)$ Euclidian black-hole coset model. While various types of conformal boundary conditions (discrete and continuous branes) have been formally identified for the the $SL(2,\mathbb{R})_k/U(1)$ coset CFT, we are only able in this work to identify conformal boundary conditions (CBC) leading to a discrete boundary spectrum. The conformal boundary conditions (CBC) we find are of two types. The first is free boundary Potts spins, for which we confirm an old conjecture for the generating functions of conformal levels, and show them to be related to characters in a non-linear deformation of the $W_\infty$ algebra. The second type of CBC - which corresponds to restricting the values of the Potts spins to a subset of size $Q_1$, or its complement of size $Q-Q_1$, at alternating sites along the boundary - is new, and turns out to be conformal in the antiferromagnetic case only. Using algebraic and numerical techniques, we show that the corresponding spectrum generating functions produce all the characters of discrete representations for the coset CFT. The normalizability bounds of the associated discrete states in the coset CFT are found to have a simple interpretation in terms of boundary phase transitions in the lattice model. For $\sqrt{Q} = 2 \cos \fracπ{k}$, with $k \ge 3$ integer, we show also how our boundary conditions can be reformulated in terms of a RSOS height model. The spectrum generating functions are then identified with string functions of the compact $SU(2)_{k-2} / U(1)$ parafermion theory (with symmetry $Z_{k-2}$). The new alt conditions are needed to cover all the string functions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2019

Spontaneous symmetry breaking in 2D supersphere sigma models and applications to intersecting loop soups

Two-dimensional sigma models on superspheres $S^{r-1|2s} \cong OSp(r|2s)/OSp(r - 1|2s)$ are known to flow to weak coupling $g_σ \to 0$ in the IR when $r - 2s < 2$. Their long-distance properties are described by a free 'Goldstone' conformal field theory (CFT) with $r - 1$ bosonic and $2s$ fermionic degrees of freedom, where the $OSp(r|2s)$ symmetry is spontaneously broken. This behavior is made possible by the lack of unitarity. The purpose of this paper is to study logarithmic corrections to the free theory at small but non-zero coupling $g_σ$. We do this in two ways. On the one hand, we perform perturbative calculations with the sigma model action, which are of special technical interest since the perturbed theory is logarithmic. On the other hand, we study an integrable lattice discretization of the sigma models provided by vertex models and spin chains with $OSp(r|2s)$ symmetry. Detailed analysis of the Bethe equations then confirms and completes the field theoretic calculations. Finally, we apply our results to physical properties of dense loop soups with crossings.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2019

Out-of-equilibrium transport in the interacting resonant level model: the surprising relevance of the boundary sine-Gordon model

Using time-dependent density matrix renormalization group calculations we study the transport properties ($I-V$ curves and shot noise) of the interacting resonant level model (IRLM) in a large range of the interaction parameter $U$, in the scaling limit. We find that these properties can be described remarkably well by those of the Boundary sine-Gordon model (BSG), which are known analytically (Fendley, Ludwig and Saleur, 1995). We argue that the two models are nevertheless in different universality classes out of equilibrium: this requires a delicate discussion of their infra-red (IR) properties ({\it i.e.} at low voltage), where we prove in particular that the effective tunneling charge is $e$ in the infra-red regime of the IRLM (except at the self-dual point where it jumps to $2e$), while it is known to be a continuously varying function of $U$ in the BSG. This behavior is confirmed by careful analysis of the numerical data in the IR. The remarkable agreement of the transport properties, especially in the crossover region, remains however unexplained.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Analytical results on the Heisenberg spin chain in a magnetic field

We obtain the ground state magnetization of the Heisenberg and XXZ spin chains in a magnetic field $h$ as a series in $\sqrt{h_c-h}$, where $h_c$ is the smallest field for which the ground state is fully polarized. All the coefficients of the series can be computed in closed form through a recurrence formula that involves only algebraic manipulations. The radius of convergence of the series in the full range $0<h\leq h_c$ is studied numerically. To that end we express the free energy at mean magnetization per site $-1/2\leq \langle σ^z_i\rangle\leq 1/2$ as a series in $1/2-\langle σ^z_i\rangle$ whose coefficients can be similarly recursively computed in closed form. This series converges for all $0\leq \langle σ^z_i\rangle\leq 1/2$. The recurrence is nothing but the Bethe equations when their roots are written as a double series in their corresponding Bethe number and in $1/2-\langle σ^z_i\rangle$. It can also be used to derive the corrections in finite size, that correspond to the spectrum of a free compactified boson whose radius can be expanded as a similar series. The method presumably applies to a large class of models: it also successfully applies to a case where the Bethe roots lie on a curve in the complex plane.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

Bootstrap approach to geometrical four-point functions in the two-dimensional critical $Q$-state Potts model: A study of the $s$-channel spectra

We revisit in this paper the problem of connectivity correlations in the Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster representation of the two-dimensional $Q$-state Potts model conformal field theory. In a recent work [M. Picco, S. Ribault and R. Santachiara, SciPost Phys. 1, 009 (2016); arXiv:1607.07224], results for the four-point functions were obtained, based on the bootstrap approach, combined with simple conjectures for the spectra in the different fusion channels. In this paper, we test these conjectures using lattice algebraic considerations combined with extensive numerical studies of correlations on infinite cylinders. We find that the spectra in the scaling limit are much richer than those proposed in [arXiv:1607.07224]: they involve in particular fields with conformal weight $h_{r,s}$ where $r$ is dense on the real axis.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

A distribution approach to finite-size corrections in Bethe Ansatz solvable models

We present a new and efficient method for deriving finite-size effects in statistical physics models solvable by Bethe Ansatz. It is based on the study of the functional that maps a function to the sum of its evaluations over the Bethe roots. A simple and powerful constraint is derived when applying this functional to infinitely derivable test functions with compact support, that generalizes then to more general test functions. The method is presented in the context of the simple spin-$1/2$ XXZ chain for which we derive the finite-size corrections to leading eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian for any configuration of Bethe numbers with real Bethe roots. The expected results for the central charge and conformal dimensions are recovered.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

On truncations of the Chalker-Coddington model

The supersymmetric reformulation of physical observables in the Chalker-Coddington model (CC) for the plateau transition in the integer quantum Hall effect leads to a reformulation of its critical properties in terms of a 2D non-compact loop model or a 1D non-compact $gl(2|2)$ spin chain. Following a proposal by Ikhlef, Fendley and Cardy, we define and study a series of truncations of these loop models and spin chains, involving a finite and growing number of degrees of freedom per site. The case of the first truncation is solved analytically using the Bethe-ansatz. It is shown to exhibit many of the qualitative features expected for the untruncated theory, including a quadratic spectrum of exponents with a continuous component, and a normalizable ground state below that continuum. Quantitative properties are however at odds with the results of simulations on the CC model. Higher truncations are studied only numerically. While their properties are found to get closer to those of the CC model, it is not clear whether this is a genuine effect, or the result of strong finite-size corrections.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

A fusion for the periodic Temperley-Lieb algebra and its continuum limit

The equivalent of fusion in boundary conformal field theory (CFT) can be realized quite simply in the context of lattice models by essentially glueing two open spin chains. This has led to many developments, in particular in the context of chiral logarithmic CFT. We consider in this paper a possible generalization of the idea to the case of bulk conformal field theory. This is of course considerably more difficult, since there is no obvious way of merging two closed spin chains into a big one. In an earlier paper, two of us had proposed a "topological" way of performing this operation in the case of models based on the affine Temperley-Lieb (ATL) algebra, by exploiting the associated braid group representation and skein relations. In the present work, we establish - using, in particular, Frobenius reciprocity - the resulting fusion rules for standard modules of ATL in the generic as well as partially degenerate cases. These fusion rules have a simple interpretation in the continuum limit. However, unlike in the chiral case this interpretation does not match the usual fusion in non-chiral CFTs. Rather, it corresponds to the glueing of the right moving component of one conformal field with the left moving component of the other.

hep-th↗

arXiv2017

Topological Protection of Coherence in a Dissipative Environment

One dimensional topological insulators are characterized by edge states with exponentially small energies. According to one generalization of topological phases to non-Hermitian systems, a finite system in a non-trivial topological phase displays surface states with exponentially long life times. In this work we explore the possibility of exploiting such non-Hermitian topological phases to enhance the quantum coherence of a fiducial qubit embedded in a dissipative environment. We first show that a network of qubits interacting with lossy cavities can be represented, in a suitable super-one-particle sector, by a non-Hermitian "Hamiltonian" of the desired form. We then study, both analytically and numerically, one-dimensional geometries with up to three sites per unit cell, and up to a topological winding number $W=2$. For finite-size systems the number of edge modes is a complicated function of $W$ and the system size $N$. However we find that there are precisely $W$ modes localized at one end of the chain. In such topological phases the quibt's coherence lifetime is exponentially large in the system size. We verify that, for $W>1$, at large times, the Lindbladian evolution is approximately a non-trivial unitary. For $W=2$ this results in Rabi-like oscillations of the qubit's coherence measure.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

On the correspondence between boundary and bulk lattice models and (logarithmic) conformal field theories

The relationship between bulk and boundary properties is one of the founding features of (Rational) Conformal Field Theory. Our goal in this paper is to explore the possibility of having an equivalent relationship in the context of lattice models. We focus on models based on the Temperley-Lieb algebra, and use the concept of braid translation, which is a natural way to close an open spin chain by adding an interaction between the first and last spins using braiding to bring them next to each other. The interaction thus obtained is in general non-local, but has the key feature that it is expressed solely in terms of the algebra for the open spin chain - the ordinary Temperley-Lieb algebra and its blob algebra generalization. This is in contrast with the usual periodic spin chains which involve only local interactions, and are described by the periodic TL algebra. We show that for the Restricted Solid-On-Solid models, which are known to be described by minimal unitary CFTs in the continuum limit, the braid translation in fact does provide the ordinary periodic model starting from the open model with fixed boundary conditions on the two sides of the strip. This statement has a precise mathematical formulation, which is a pull-back map between irreducible modules of, respectively, the blob algebra and the affine TL algebra. We then turn to the same kind of analysis for two models whose continuum limits are Logarithmic CFTs - the alternating gl(1|1) and sl(2|1) spin chains. We find that the result for minimal models does not hold any longer: braid translation of the relevant TL modules does not give rise to the modules known to be present in the periodic chains. In the gl(1|1) case, the content in terms of the irreducibles is the same, as well as the spectrum, but the detailed structure (like logarithmic coupling) is profoundly different. This carries over to the continuum limit.

hep-th↗

arXiv2017

Universal Entanglement Dynamics following a Local Quench

We study the time dependence of the entanglement between two quantum wires after suddenly connecting them via tunneling through an impurity. The result at large times is given by the well known formula $S(t) \approx {1\over 3}\ln {t}$. We show that the intermediate time regime can be described by a universal cross-over formula $S=F(tT_K)$, where $T_K$ is the crossover (Kondo) temperature: the function $F$ describes the dynamical "healing" of the system at large times. We discuss how to obtain analytic information about $F$ in the case of an integrable quantum impurity problem using the massless Form-Factors formalism for twist and boundary condition changing operators. Our results are confirmed by density matrix renormalization group calculations and exact free fermion numerics.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Healing of Defects in Random Antiferromagnetic Spin Chains

We study the effects of a weakened link in random antiferromagnetic spin chains. We show that healing occurs, and that homogeneity is restored at low energy, in a way that is qualitatively similar to the fate of impurities in clean ferromagnetic spin chains, or in Luttinger liquids with attractive interactions. Healing in the random case occurs even without interactions, and is characteristic of the random singlet phase. Using real space renormalization group and exact diagonalization methods, we characterize this universal healing crossover by studying the entanglement across the weak link. We identify a crossover healing length $L^*$ that separates a regime where the system is cut in half by the weak link from a fixed point where the spin chain is healed. Our results open the way to the study of impurity physics in disordered spin chains.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2017

Elaborating the phase diagram of spin-1 anyonic chains

We revisit the phase diagram of spin-1 $su(2)_k$ anyonic chains, originally studied by Gils {\it et. al.} [Phys. Rev. B, {\bf 87} (23) (2013)]. These chains possess several integrable points, which were overlooked (or only briefly considered) so far. Exploiting integrability through a combination of algebraic techniques and exact Bethe ansatz results, we establish in particular the presence of new first order phase transitions, a new critical point described by a $Z_k$ parafermionic CFT, and of even more phases than originally conjectured. Our results leave room for yet more progress in the understanding of spin-1 anyonic chains.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

Entanglement in non-unitary quantum critical spin chains

Entanglement entropy has proven invaluable to our understanding of quantum criticality. It is natural to try to extend the concept to non-unitary quantum mechanics, which has seen growing interest from areas as diverse as open quantum systems, non-interacting electronic disordered systems, or non-unitary conformal field theory (CFT). We propose and investigate such an extension here, by focussing on the case of one-dimensional quantum group symmetric or supergroup symmetric spin chains. We show that the consideration of left and right eigenstates combined with appropriate definitions of the trace leads to a natural definition of Rényi entropies in a large variety of models. We interpret this definition geometrically in terms of related loop models and calculate the corresponding scaling in the conformal case. This allows us to distinguish the role of the central charge and effective central charge in rational minimal models of CFT, and to define an effective central charge in other, less well understood cases. The example of the $sl(2|1)$ alternating spin chain for percolation is discussed in detail.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2016

The continuum limit of $a_{N-1}^{(2)}$ spin chains

Building on our previous work for $a_2^{(2)}$ and $a_3^{(2)}$ we explore systematically the continuum limit of gapless $a_{N-1}^{(2)}$ vertex models and spin chains. We find the existence of three possible regimes. Regimes I and II for $a_{2n-1}^{(2)}$ are related with $a_{2n-1}^{(2)}$ Toda, and described by $n$ compact bosons. Regime I for $a_{2n}^{(2)}$ is related with $a_{2n}^{(2)}$ Toda and involves $n$ compact bosons, while regime II is related instead with $B^{(1)}(0,n)$ super Toda, and involves in addition a single Majorana fermion. The most interesting is regime III, where {\sl non-compact} degrees of freedom appear, generalising the emergence of the Euclidean black hole CFT in the $a_{2}^{(2)}$ case. For $a_{2n}^{(2)}$ we find a continuum limit made of $n$ compact and $n$ non-compact bosons, while for $a_{2n-1}^{(2)}$ we find $n$ compact and $n-1$ non-compact bosons. We also find deep relations between $a_{N-1}^{(2)}$ in regime III and the gauged WZW models $SO(N)/SO(N-1)$.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Dilute oriented loop models

We study a model of dilute oriented loops on the square lattice, where each loop is compatible with a fixed, alternating orientation of the lattice edges. This implies that loop strands are not allowed to go straight at vertices, and results in an enhancement of the usual O(n) symmetry to U(n). The corresponding transfer matrix acts on a number of representations (standard modules) that grows exponentially with the system size. We derive their dimension and those of the centraliser by both combinatorial and algebraic techniques. A mapping onto a field theory permits us to identify the conformal field theory governing the critical range, $n \le 1$. We establish the phase diagram and the critical exponents of low-energy excitations. For generic n, there is a critical line in the universality class of the dilute O(2n) model, terminating in an SU(n+1) point. The case n=1 maps onto the critical line of the six-vertex model, along which exponents vary continuously.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

Three-point functions in c <= 1 Liouville theory and conformal loop ensembles

The possibility of extending the Liouville Conformal Field Theory from values of the central charge $c \geq 25$ to $c \leq 1$ has been debated for many years in condensed matter physics as well as in string theory. It was only recently proven that such an extension -- involving a real spectrum of critical exponents as well as an analytic continuation of the DOZZ formula for three-point couplings -- does give rise to a consistent theory. We show in this Letter that this theory can be interpreted in terms of microscopic loop models. We introduce in particular a family of geometrical operators, and, using an efficient algorithm to compute three-point functions from the lattice, we show that their operator algebra corresponds exactly to that of vertex operators $V_{\hatα}$ in $c \leq 1$ Liouville. We interpret geometrically the limit $\hatα \to 0$ of $V_{\hatα}$ and explain why it is not the identity operator (despite having conformal weight $Δ=0$).

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

A new look at the collapse of two-dimensional polymers

We study the collapse of two-dimensional polymers, via an O($n$) model on the square lattice that allows for dilution, bending rigidity and short-range monomer attractions. This model contains two candidates for the theta point, $Θ_{\rm BN}$ and $Θ_{\rm DS}$, both exactly solvable. The relative stability of these points, and the question of which one describes the `generic' theta point, have been the source of a long-standing debate. Moreover, the analytically predicted exponents of $Θ_{\rm BN}$ have never been convincingly observed in numerical simulations. In the present paper, we shed a new light on this confusing situation. We show in particular that the continuum limit of $Θ_{\rm BN}$ is an unusual conformal field theory, made in fact of a simple dense polymer decorated with {\sl non-compact degrees of freedom}. This implies in particular that the critical exponents take continuous rather than discrete values, and that corrections to scaling lead to an unusual integral form. Furthermore, discrete states may emerge from the continuum, but the latter are only normalizable---and hence observable---for appropriate values of the model's parameters. We check these findings numerically. We also probe the non-compact degrees of freedom in various ways, and establish that they are related to fluctuations of the density of monomers. Finally, we construct a field theoretic model of the vicinity of $Θ_{\rm BN}$ and examine the flow along the multicritical line between $Θ_{\rm BN}$ and $Θ_{\rm DS}$.

math-ph↗