arXiv subjects

Ruben Verresen

Publications and source records attributed to Ruben Verresen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Bulk-boundary correspondence and singularity-filling in long-range free-fermion chains

The bulk-boundary correspondence relates topologically-protected edge modes to bulk topological invariants, and is well-understood for short-range free-fermion chains. Although case studies have considered long-range Hamiltonians whose couplings decay with a power-law exponent $α$, there has been no systematic study for a free-fermion symmetry class. We introduce a technique for solving gapped, translationally invariant models in the 1D BDI and AIII symmetry classes with $α>1$, linking together the quantized winding invariant, bulk topological string-order parameters and a complete solution of the edge modes. The physics of these chains is elucidated by studying a complex function determined by the couplings of the Hamiltonian: in contrast to the short-range case where edge modes are associated to roots of this function, we find that they are now associated to singularities. A remarkable consequence is that the finite-size splitting of the edge modes depends on the topological winding number, which can be used as a probe of the latter. We furthermore generalise these results by (i) identifying a family of BDI chains with $α<1$ where our results still hold, and (ii) showing that gapless symmetry-protected topological chains can have topological invariants and edge modes when $α-1$ exceeds the dynamical critical exponent.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Higgs Condensates are Symmetry-Protected Topological Phases: II. $U(1)$ Gauge Theory and Superconductors

Classifying Higgs phases within the landscape of gapped and symmetry preserving states of matter presents a conceptual challenge. We argue that $U(1)$ Higgs phases are symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases and we derive their topological response theory and boundary anomaly -- applicable to superconductors treated with dynamical electromagnetic field. This generalizes the discussion of discrete gauge theories by Verresen et al., arXiv:2211.01376. We show that a Higgs phase in $d$ spatial dimensions is in a non-trivial SPT class protected by a global $U(1)$ symmetry associated with the Higgs field, and a $d-2$ form $U(1)$ magnetic symmetry, associated with the absence of magnetic monopoles. In $d=2$, this gives an SPT with a mixed Hall response between conventional symmetries, whereas in $d=3$ we obtain a novel SPT protected by a 0-form and 1-form symmetry whose 2+1d boundary anomaly is satisfied by a superfluid. The signature properties of superconductors -- Higgs phases for electromagnetism -- can be reproduced from this SPT response. For instance, the Josephson effect directly arises from the aforementioned boundary superfluid. In addition to this minimalist approach being complementary to Landau-Ginzburg theory, its non-perturbative nature is useful in situations where fluctuations are significant. We substantiate this by predicting the stability of the Josephson effect upon introducing monopoles in $U(1)$ lattice gauge theory, where tuning from the charge-1 Higgs phase to the confined phase leads to a quantum critical point in the junction. Furthermore, this perspective reveals unexpected connections, such as how persistent currents at the surface of a superconductor arise from generalized Thouless pumps. We also treat generalizations to partial-Higgs phases, including "2e" condensates in electronic superconductors, corresponding to symmetry-enriched topological orders.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Quantum Spin Puddles and Lakes: NISQ-Era Spin Liquids from Non-Equilibrium Dynamics

While many-body systems can host long-ranged entangled quantum spin liquids (QSLs), the ingredients for realizing these as ground states can be prohibitively difficult. In many circumstances, one requires (i) a constrained Hilbert space and (ii) an extensive quantum superposition. The paradigmatic example is the toric code, or $\mathbb{Z}_2$ spin liquid, which is a superposition of closed loop states. We show how non-equilibrium Hamiltonian dynamics can provide a streamlined route toward creating such QSLs. Rather than cooling into the ground state of a Hamiltonian, we show how a simple parameter sweep can dynamically project a family of initial product states into the constrained space, giving rise to a QSL. For the toric code, this is achieved in systems with a separation in energy scales between the $e$- and $m$-anyons, where one can sweep in a way that is adiabatic (sudden) with respect to the former (latter). Although this separation of scales does not extend to the thermodynamic limit, we analytically and numerically show that this method efficiently prepares a spin liquid in finite-sized regions, which we brand ``quantum spin lakes.'' This mechanism elucidates recent experimental and numerical observations of the dynamical state preparation of the ruby lattice spin liquid in Rydberg atom arrays. In fact, the slow dynamics of $m$-anyons suggest that we can capture spin lake preparation by simulating the dynamics on tree lattices, which we confirm with tensor network simulations. Finally, we use this mechanism to propose new experiments, e.g., for preparing a finite-sized $U(1)$ spin liquid as a honeycomb Rokhsar-Kivelson dimer model using Rydberg atoms -- which is remarkable given its equilibrium counterpart is unstable in $2 + 1$D. Our work opens up a new avenue in the study of non-equilibrium physics, as well as the exploration of exotic states of finite extent in NISQ devices.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Pivot Hamiltonians as generators of symmetry and entanglement

It is well-known that symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases can be obtained from the trivial phase by an entangler, a finite-depth unitary operator $U$. Here, we consider obtaining the entangler from a local 'pivot' Hamiltonian $H_{piv}$ such that $U = e^{iπH_{piv}}$. This perspective of Hamiltonians pivoting between the trivial and SPT phase opens up two new directions which we explore here. (i) Since SPT Hamiltonians and entanglers are now on the same footing, can we iterate this process to create other interesting states? (ii) Since entanglers are known to arise as discrete symmetries at SPT transitions, under what conditions can this be enhanced to $U(1)$ 'pivot' symmetry generated by $H_{piv}$? In this work we explore both of these questions. With regard to the first, we give examples of a rich web of dualities obtained by iteratively using an SPT model as a pivot to generate the next one. For the second question, we derive a simple criterion guaranteeing that the direct interpolation between the trivial and SPT Hamiltonian has a $U(1)$ pivot symmetry. We illustrate this in a variety of examples, assuming various forms for $H_{piv}$, including the Ising chain, and the toric code Hamiltonian. A remarkable property of such a $U(1)$ pivot symmetry is that it shares a mutual anomaly with the symmetry protecting the nearby SPT phase. We discuss how such anomalous and non-onsite $U(1)$ symmetries explain the exotic phase diagrams that can appear, including an SPT multicritical point where the gapless ground state is given by the fixed-point toric code state.

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arXiv2023

Building models of topological quantum criticality from pivot Hamiltonians

Progress in understanding symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases has been greatly aided by our ability to construct lattice models realizing these states. In contrast, a systematic approach to constructing models that realize quantum critical points between SPT phases is lacking, particularly in dimension $d>1$. Here, we show how the recently introduced notion of the pivot Hamiltonian -- generating rotations between SPT phases -- facilitates such a construction. We demonstrate this approach by constructing a spin model on the triangular lattice, which is midway between a trivial and SPT phase. The pivot Hamiltonian generates a $U(1)$ pivot symmetry which helps to stabilize a direct SPT transition. The sign-problem free nature of the model -- with an additional Ising interaction preserving the pivot symmetry -- allows us to obtain the phase diagram using quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We find evidence for a direct transition between trivial and SPT phases that is consistent with a deconfined quantum critical point with emergent $SO(5)$ symmetry. The known anomaly of the latter is made possible by the non-local nature of the $U(1)$ pivot symmetry. Interestingly, the pivot Hamiltonian generating this symmetry is nothing other than the staggered Baxter-Wu three-spin interaction. This work illustrates the importance of $U(1)$ pivot symmetries and proposes how to generally construct sign-problem-free lattice models of SPT transitions with such anomalous symmetry groups for other lattices and dimensions.

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arXiv2023

Everything is a quantum Ising model

This work shows that any $k$-local Hamiltonian of qubits can be obtained from a 4-state 'Ising' model with $k$-local diagonal interactions and a single-site transverse field -- giving a new theoretical and experimental handle on quantum matter. In particular, the classical Ising interactions can be determined by replacing each Pauli operator with a $4 \times 4$ diagonal matrix. Subsequently tuning a large transverse field projects out two of the four states, recovering the original qubit model, with qudit generalizations. This leads to striking correspondences, such as the spin-1/2 XY and Heisenberg models arising from the large-field limit of 3-state and 4-state Potts models, respectively. Similarly, the Kitaev honeycomb model emerges from classical interactions which enforce loop states on the honeycomb lattice. These generalized Ising models also display rich physics for smaller fields, including quantum criticality and topological phases of matter. This work expands what is experimentally achievable by showing how to realize any quantum spin model using only diagonal interactions and a tuneable field -- ingredients found in, e.g., tweezer arrays of Rydberg atoms or polar molecules. More broadly, 4-state spins can also be encoded in the positions of itinerant particles, exemplified by a Bose-Hubbard model realizing the Kitaev honeycomb model -- giving an experimental path to its $\mathbb Z_2$ and non-Abelian topological quantum liquids.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Unifying Kitaev magnets, kagome dimer models and ruby Rydberg spin liquids

The exploration of quantum spin liquids (QSLs) has been guided by different approaches including the resonating valence bond (RVB) picture, deconfined lattice gauge theories and the Kitaev model. More recently, a spin liquid ground state was numerically established on the ruby lattice, inspired by the Rydberg blockade mechanism. Here we unify these varied approaches in a single parent Hamiltonian, in which local fluctuations of anyons stabilize deconfinement. The parent Hamiltonian is defined on kagomé triangles -- each hosting four RVB-like states -- and includes only Ising interactions and single-site transverse fields. In the weak-field limit, the ruby spin liquid and exactly soluble kagomé dimer models are recovered, while the strong-field limit reduces to the Kitaev honeycomb model, thereby unifying three seemingly different approaches to QSLs. We similarly obtain the chiral Yao-Kivelson model, honeycomb toric code and a new spin-1 quadrupolar Kitaev model. The last is shown to be in a QSL phase by a non-local mapping to the kagomé Ising antiferromagnet. We demonstrate various applications of our framework, including (a) an adiabatic deformation of the ruby lattice model to the exactly soluble kagomé dimer model, conclusively establishing the QSL phase in the former; and (b) demystifying the dynamical protocol for measuring off-diagonal strings in the Rydberg implementation of the ruby lattice spin liquid. More generally, we find an intimate connection between Kitaev couplings and the repulsive interactions used for emergent dimer models. For instance, we show how a spin-1/2 XXZ model on the ruby lattice encodes a Kitaev honeycomb model, providing a new route toward realizing the latter in cold-atom or solid-state systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Efficiently preparing Schrödinger's cat, fractons and non-Abelian topological order in quantum devices

Long-range entangled quantum states -- like cat states and topological order -- are key for quantum metrology and information purposes, but they cannot be prepared by any scalable unitary process. Intriguingly, using measurements as an additional ingredient could circumvent such no-go theorems. However, efficient schemes are known for only a limited class of long-range entangled states, and their implementation on existing quantum devices via a sequence of gates and measurements is hampered by high overheads. Here we resolve these problems, proposing how to scalably prepare a broad range of long-range entangled states with the use of existing experimental platforms. Our two-step process finds an ideal implementation in Rydberg atom arrays, only requiring time-evolution under the intrinsic atomic interactions, followed by measuring a single sublattice (by using, e.g., two atom species). Remarkably, this protocol can prepare the 1D Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) 'cat' state and 2D toric code with fidelity per site exceeding $0.9999$, and a 3D fracton state with fidelity $\gtrapprox 0.998$. In light of recent experiments showcasing 3D Rydberg atom arrays, this paves the way to the first experimental realization of fracton order. While the above examples are based on efficiently preparing and measuring cluster states, we also propose a multi-step procedure to create $S_3$ and $D_4$ non-Abelian topological order in Rydberg atom arrays and other quantum devices -- offering a route towards universal topological quantum computation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Gapless topological phases and symmetry-enriched quantum criticality

We introduce topological invariants for gapless systems and study the associated boundary phenomena. More generally, the symmetry properties of the low-energy conformal field theory (CFT) provide discrete invariants, establishing the notion of symmetry-enriched quantum criticality. The charges of nonlocal scaling operators, or more generally of symmetry defects, are topological and imply the presence of localized edge modes. We primarily focus on the $1+1d$ case where the edge has a topological degeneracy, whose finite-size splitting can be exponential or algebraic in system size depending on the involvement of additional gapped sectors. An example of the former is given by tuning the spin-1 Heisenberg chain to a symmetry-breaking Ising phase. An example of the latter arises between the gapped Ising and cluster phases: this symmetry-enriched Ising CFT has an edge mode with finite-size splitting $\sim 1/L^{14}$. In addition to such new cases, our formalism unifies various examples previously studied in the literature. Similar to gapped symmetry-protected topological phases, a given CFT can split into several distinct symmetry-enriched CFTs. This raises the question of classification, to which we give a partial answer -- including a complete characterization of symmetry-enriched $1+1d$ Ising CFTs. Non-trivial topological invariants can also be constructed in higher dimensions, which we illustrate for a symmetry-enriched $2+1d$ CFT without gapped sectors.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Skeleton of Matrix-Product-State-Solvable Models Connecting Topological Phases of Matter

Models whose ground states can be written as an exact matrix product state (MPS) provide valuable insights into phases of matter. While MPS-solvable models are typically studied as isolated points in a phase diagram, they can belong to a connected network of MPS-solvable models, which we call the MPS skeleton. As a case study where we can completely unearth this skeleton, we focus on the one-dimensional BDI class -- non-interacting spinless fermions with time-reversal symmetry. This class, labelled by a topological winding number, contains the Kitaev chain and is Jordan-Wigner-dual to various symmetry-breaking and symmetry-protected topological (SPT) spin chains. We show that one can read off from the Hamiltonian whether its ground state is an MPS: defining a polynomial whose coefficients are the Hamiltonian parameters, MPS-solvability corresponds to this polynomial being a perfect square. We provide an explicit construction of the ground state MPS, its bond dimension growing exponentially with the range of the Hamiltonian. This complete characterization of the MPS skeleton in parameter space has three significant consequences: (i) any two topologically distinct phases in this class admit a path of MPS-solvable models between them, including the phase transition which obeys an area law for its entanglement entropy; (ii) we illustrate that the subset of MPS-solvable models is dense in this class by constructing a sequence of MPS-solvable models which converge to the Kitaev chain (equivalently, the quantum Ising chain in a transverse field); (iii) a subset of these MPS states can be particularly efficiently processed on a noisy intermediate-scale quantum computer.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Realising the Symmetry-Protected Haldane Phase in Fermi-Hubbard Ladders

Topology in quantum many-body systems has profoundly changed our understanding of quantum phases of matter. The paradigmatic model that has played an instrumental role in elucidating these effects is the antiferromagnetic spin-1 Haldane chain. Its ground state is a disordered state, with symmetry-protected fourfold-degenerate edge states due to fractional spin excitations. In the bulk, it is characterised by vanishing two-point spin correlations, gapped excitations, and a characteristic non-local order parameter. More recently it was understood that the Haldane chain forms a specific example of a more general classification scheme of symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases of matter that is based on ideas connecting to quantum information and entanglement. Here, we realise such a topological Haldane phase with Fermi-Hubbard ladders in an ultracold-atom quantum simulator. We directly reveal both edge and bulk properties of the system through the use of single-site and particle-resolved measurements as well as non-local correlation functions. Continuously changing the Hubbard interaction strength of the system allows us to investigate the robustness of the phase to charge (density) fluctuations far from the regime of the Heisenberg model employing a novel correlator.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2021

Prediction of Toric Code Topological Order from Rydberg Blockade

The physical realization of $\mathbb Z_2$ topological order as encountered in the paradigmatic toric code has proven to be an elusive goal. We predict that this phase of matter can be realized in a two-dimensional array of Rydberg atoms placed on the ruby lattice, at specific values of the Rydberg blockade radius. First, we show that the blockade model -- also known as a `PXP' model -- realizes a monomer-dimer model on the kagome lattice with a single-site kinetic term. This can be interpreted as a $\mathbb Z_2$ gauge theory whose dynamics is generated by monomer fluctuations. We obtain its phase diagram using the numerical density matrix renormalization group method and find a topological quantum liquid (TQL) as evidenced by multiple measures including (i) a continuous transition between two featureless phases, (ii) a topological entanglement entropy of $\ln 2$ as measured in various geometries, (iii) degenerate topological ground states and (iv) the expected modular matrix from ground state overlap. Next, we show that the TQL persists upon including realistic, algebraically-decaying van der Waals interactions $V(r) \sim 1/r^6$ for a choice of lattice parameters. Moreover, we can directly access topological loop operators, including the Fredenhagen-Marcu order parameter. We show how these can be measured experimentally using a dynamic protocol, providing a ``smoking gun'' experimental signature of the TQL phase. Finally, we show how to trap an emergent anyon and realize different topological boundary conditions, and we discuss the implications for exploring fault-tolerant quantum memories.

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arXiv2021

Gauging the Kitaev chain

We gauge the fermion parity symmetry of the Kitaev chain. While the bulk of the model becomes an Ising chain of gauge-invariant spins in a tilted field, near the boundaries the global fermion parity symmetry survives gauging, leading to local gauge-invariant Majorana operators. In the absence of vortices, the Higgs phase exhibits fermionic symmetry-protected topological (SPT) order distinct from the Kitaev chain. Moreover, the deconfined phase can be stable even in the presence of vortices. We also undertake a comprehensive study of a gently gauged model which interpolates between the ordinary and gauged Kitaev chains. This showcases rich quantum criticality and illuminates the topological nature of the Higgs phase. Even in the absence of superconducting terms, gauging leads to an SPT phase which is intrinsically gapless due to an emergent anomaly.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Probing Topological Spin Liquids on a Programmable Quantum Simulator

Quantum spin liquids, exotic phases of matter with topological order, have been a major focus of explorations in physical science for the past several decades. Such phases feature long-range quantum entanglement that can potentially be exploited to realize robust quantum computation. We use a 219-atom programmable quantum simulator to probe quantum spin liquid states. In our approach, arrays of atoms are placed on the links of a kagome lattice and evolution under Rydberg blockade creates frustrated quantum states with no local order. The onset of a quantum spin liquid phase of the paradigmatic toric code type is detected by evaluating topological string operators that provide direct signatures of topological order and quantum correlations. Its properties are further revealed by using an atom array with nontrivial topology, representing a first step towards topological encoding. Our observations enable the controlled experimental exploration of topological quantum matter and protected quantum information processing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quotient symmetry protected topological phenomena

Topological phenomena are commonly studied in phases of matter which are separated from a trivial phase by an unavoidable quantum phase transition. This can be overly restrictive, leaving out scenarios of practical relevance -- similar to the distinction between liquid water and vapor. Indeed, we show that topological phenomena can be stable over a large part of parameter space even when the bulk is strictly speaking in a trivial phase of matter. In particular, we focus on symmetry-protected topological phases which can be trivialized by extending the symmetry group. The topological Haldane phase in spin chains serves as a paradigmatic example where the $SO(3)$ symmetry is extended to $SU(2)$ by tuning away from the Mott limit. Although the Haldane phase is then adiabatically connected to a product state, we show that characteristic phenomena -- edge modes, entanglement degeneracies and bulk phase transitions -- remain parametrically stable. This stability is due to a separation of energy scales, characterized by quantized invariants which are well-defined when a subgroup of the symmetry only acts on high-energy degrees of freedom. The low-energy symmetry group is a quotient group whose emergent anomalies stabilize edge modes and unnecessary criticality, which can occur in any dimension.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Topological and symmetry-enriched random quantum critical points

We study how symmetry can enrich strong-randomness quantum critical points and phases, and lead to robust topological edge modes coexisting with critical bulk fluctuations. These are the disordered analogues of gapless topological phases. Using real-space and density matrix renormalization group approaches, we analyze the boundary and bulk critical behavior of such symmetry-enriched random quantum spin chains. We uncover a new class of symmetry-enriched infinite randomness fixed points: while local bulk properties are indistinguishable from conventional random singlet phases, nonlocal observables and boundary critical behavior are controlled by a different renormalization group fixed point. We also illustrate how such new quantum critical points emerge naturally in Floquet systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Intrinsically Gapless Topological Phases

Topology in quantum matter is typically associated with gapped phases. For example, in symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases, the bulk energy gap localizes edge modes near the boundary. In this work we identify a new mechanism that leads to topological phases which are not only gapless but where the absence of a gap is essential. These `intrinsically gapless SPT phases' have no gapped counterpart and are hence also distinct from recently discovered examples of gapless SPT phases. The essential ingredient of these phases is that on-site symmetries act in an anomalous fashion at low energies. Intrinsically gapless SPT phases are found to display several unique properties including (i) protected edge modes that are impossible to realize in a gapped system with the same symmetries, (ii) string order parameters that are likewise forbidden in gapped phases, and (iii) constraints on the phase diagram obtained upon perturbing the phase. We verify predictions of the general theory in a specific realization protected by $\mathbb Z_4$ symmetry, the one dimensional Ising-Hubbard chain, using both numerical simulations and effective field theory. We also discuss extensions to higher dimensions and possible experimental realizations.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Statistical localization: from strong fragmentation to strong edge modes

Certain disorder-free Hamiltonians can be non-ergodic due to a \emph{strong fragmentation} of the Hilbert space into disconnected sectors. Here, we characterize such systems by introducing the notion of `statistically localized integrals of motion' (SLIOM), whose eigenvalues label the connected components of the Hilbert space. SLIOMs are not spatially localized in the operator sense, but appear localized to sub-extensive regions when their expectation value is taken in typical states with a finite density of particles. We illustrate this general concept on several Hamiltonians, both with and without dipole conservation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that there exist perturbations which destroy these integrals of motion in the bulk of the system, while keeping them on the boundary. This results in statistically localized \emph{strong zero modes}, leading to infinitely long-lived edge magnetizations along with a thermalizing bulk, constituting the first example of such strong edge modes in a non-integrable model. We also show that in a particular example, these edge modes lead to the appearance of topological string order in a certain subset of highly excited eigenstates. Some of our suggested models can be realized in Rydberg quantum simulators.

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