arXiv subjects

Ryan Thorngren

Publications and source records attributed to Ryan Thorngren.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum cellular automata and invertible phases of matter

We introduce and study (fermionic and bosonic) invertible quasi-local algebras over uniformly locally finite metric spaces $X$ with infinite-dimensional local von Neumann algebras. We show that the group of Brauer equivalence classes of such algebras is isomorphic to both the group of phases of invertible states and the group of stable equivalence classes of quantum cellular automata over $X\times \mathbb{Z}$. Using K-theory of the symmetric monoidal category of invertible quasi-local algebras and bounded spread isomorphisms, we propose a definition of an $\Omega$-spectrum of invertible phases as conjectured by Kitaev. We then show that the $c=\frac{1}{2}$ chiral Majorana fermion net and the $(E_{8})_{1}$ conformal net provide Brauer non-trivial invertible quasi-local algebras, thus providing explicit constructions of non-trivial invertible states and quantum cellular automata on $\mathbb{Z}^{2}$. In addition, we show that the time-slice nets of rational diagonal conformal field theories admit lattice degrees of freedom, which implies the discretization of any holomorphic conformal net is invertible.

math-ph↗

arXiv2026

Correlation versus Causation in Quantum Criticality

Correlation functions $\langle O_1(x) O_2(0) \rangle$ reveal scaling dimensions through spatial decay. We instead consider static susceptibility, the change in $\langle O_1(x) \rangle$ from perturbing the Hamiltonian by $O_2(0)$, which we term causation for short. In a conformal field theory (CFT), dimensional analysis predicts decay of $|x|^{-2\Delta}$ for correlation and $|x|^{-2\Delta+1}$ for causation. Yet we find causation can decay up to fifteen additional orders in $x$ through a general mechanism, which we trace to time-derivative fields being unable to contribute to static response. In higher-dimensional CFTs, this mechanism ensures leading causation arises from primaries, even when descendants dominate correlation, which we leverage with DMRG to identify a previously unresolved corner primary of $\Delta \approx 8.8$ and a heavy magnetic line defect primary of $\Delta \approx 4.6$ in the $(2+1)$D critical Ising model. Moreover, the same mechanism governs edge-mode localization in $(1+1)$D gapless symmetry-protected topological phases, explaining previously observed anomalously small edge-mode splittings and guiding our construction of spin chains with splittings as small as $1/L^{18}$ and $1/L^{25}$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Perturbatively Stable Self-Correcting Classical Memory from Gauge Averaging

We show that the self-correcting memory in 3d Wegner gauge theory is stable to arbitrary small enough perturbations of the Hamiltonian. Our proof relies on a new method we dub ``gauge averaging'', which gives conditions under which explicitly broken gauge symmetries are effectively restored by fluctuations. These conditions show that the self-correcting memory phase is fluctuation stabilized, with its robustness to perturbations increasing with increasing temperature, up to some $T_c > 0$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Translation symmetry-enforced long-range entanglement in mixed states

We show by a counting argument that even though translation symmetry admits symmetric short-range entangled (SRE) eigenstates, there are not enough such SRE eigenstates to span the zero momentum sector. This means that the fixed point strong-to-weak spontaneous symmetry breaking state of translation symmetry is long-range entangled: it cannot be written as a mixture of SRE states. This is a subtle form of long-range entanglement in mixed states that cannot be detected by long-range connected correlation functions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Parameterized Families of Toric Code Phase: $em$-duality family and higher-order anyon pumping

Within the toric-code phase, we study parameterized families of topologically ordered states. We construct $1$- and $2$-parameter families of local Hamiltonians and confirm their non-triviality via topological pumping. For the $1$-parameter family, we show that the $em$-exchange defect is pumped into the bond Hilbert space of a tensor-network representation. For the $2$-parameter case, we construct a ``pump of a pump'' that transports an $S^1$-family of a system in one lower spatial dimension. Using similar methods, we also present a $1$-parameter family with a higher-order anyon pump that produces corner-localized anyon modes. These constructions provide explicit lattice realizations and concrete diagnostics of family-level topology. We use recently developed boundary algebra methods to study the non-triviality of these families.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

From QED$_3$ to Self-Dual Multicriticality in the Fradkin-Shenker Model

We consider the Fradkin-Shenker ${\mathbb Z}_2$ gauge-Higgs lattice model in 2+1 dimensions, i.e. the toric code deformed by an in-plane magnetic field. Its phase diagram contains a multicritical CFT with gapless, mutually non-local electric and magnetic particles, exchanged by a ${\mathbb Z}_2^{\mathsf{D}}$ self-duality symmetry. We introduce a staggered generalization of the model in which these particles carry global $U(1)_e$ and $U(1)_m$ charges, respectively, and we propose a continuum QFT description in terms of QED$_3$ with $N_f = 2$ Dirac fermion flavors and a charge-two Higgs field with Yukawa couplings. The conjectured phase diagram harbors a multicritical CFT with $(O(2)_e \times O(2)_m)\rtimes\mathbb{Z}_2^\mathsf{D}$ symmetry, some of which is emergent in the QFT description. We compute the scaling dimensions of some operators using a large-$N_f$ expansion and find agreement with the emergent selection rules. The staggered model admits a deformation to the original Fradkin-Shenker model, which maps to unit-charge monopole operators in Higgs-Yukawa-QED$_3$ that break the $U(1)_e \times U(1)_m$ symmetry. We show explicitly that this deformation reproduces all features of the Fradkin-Shenker phase diagram. Finally, we propose a multicritical duality between Higgs-Yukawa-QED$_3$ and the easy-plane $\mathbb{ CP}^1$ model (i.e. two-flavor scalar QED$_3$ with a suitable potential), which describes spin-1/2 anti-ferromagnets on a square lattice. This duality implies a first-order line of N\'eel-VBS transitions ending in a deconfined quantum multicritical point, described by the same $O(2)_e \times O(2)_m$ symmetric CFT that arises in the staggered Fradkin-Shenker model, which separates it from a gapped ${\mathbb Z}_2$ spin liquid phase.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Chiral Lattice Gauge Theories from Symmetry Disentanglers

We propose a Hamiltonian framework for constructing chiral gauge theories on the lattice based on symmetry disentanglers: constant-depth circuits of local unitaries that transform not-on-site symmetries into on-site ones. When chiral symmetry can be realized not-on-site and such a disentangler exists, the symmetry can be implemented in a strictly local Hamiltonian and gauged by standard lattice methods. Using lattice rotor models, we realize this idea in 1+1 and 3+1 spacetime dimensions for $U(1)$ symmetries with mixed 't Hooft anomalies, and show that symmetry disentanglers can be constructed when anomalies cancel. As an example, we present an exactly solvable Hamiltonian lattice model of the (1+1)-dimensional "3450" chiral gauge theory, and we argue that a related construction applies to the $U(1)$ hypercharge symmetry of the Standard Model fermions in 3+1 dimensions. Our results open a new route toward fully local, nonperturbative formulations of chiral gauge theories.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Anomalies on the Lattice, Homotopy of Quantum Cellular Automata, and a Spectrum of Invertible States

We develop a rigorous topological theory of anomalies on the lattice, which are obstructions to gauging global symmetries and the existence of trivial symmetric states. We also construct $\Omega$-spectra of a class of invertible states and quantum cellular automata, which allows us to classify both anomalies and symmetry protected topological phases up to blend equivalence.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Charge pumps, pivot Hamiltonians and symmetry-protected topological phases

Generalised charge pumps are topological obstructions to trivialising loops in the space of symmetric gapped Hamiltonians. We show that given mild conditions on such pumps, the associated loop has high-symmetry points which must be in distinct symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases. To further elucidate the connection between pumps and SPTs, we focus on closed paths, `pivot loops', defined by two Hamiltonians, where the first is unitarily evolved by the second `pivot' Hamiltonian. While such pivot loops have been studied as entanglers for SPTs, here we explore their connection to pumps. We construct families of pivot loops which pump charge for various symmetry groups, often leading to SPT phases -- including dipole SPTs. Intriguingly, we find examples where non-trivial pumps do not lead to genuine SPTs but still entangle representation-SPTs (RSPTs). We use the anomaly associated to the non-trivial pump to explain the a priori `unnecessary' criticality between these RSPTs. We also find that particularly nice pivot families form circles in Hamiltonian space, which we show is equivalent to the Hamiltonians satisfying the Dolan-Grady relation -- known from the study of integrable models. This additional structure allows us to derive more powerful constraints on the phase diagram. Natural examples of such circular loops arise from pivoting with the Onsager-integrable chiral clock models, containing the aforementioned RSPT example. In fact, we show that these Onsager pivots underlie general group cohomology-based pumps in one spatial dimension. Finally, we recast the above in the language of equivariant families of Hamiltonians and relate the invariants of the pump to the candidate SPTs. We also highlight how certain SPTs arise in cases where the equivariant family is labelled by spaces that are not manifolds.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Exact Chiral Symmetries of 3+1D Hamiltonian Lattice Fermions

We construct Hamiltonian models on a 3+1d cubic lattice for a single Weyl fermion and for a single Weyl doublet protected by exact (as opposed to emergent) chiral symmetries. In the former, we find a not-on-site, non-compact chiral symmetry which can be viewed as a Hamiltonian analog of the Ginsparg-Wilson symmetry in Euclidean lattice models of Weyl fermions. In the latter, we combine an on-site $U(1)$ symmetry with a not-on-site $U(1)$ symmetry, which together generate the $SU(2)$ flavor symmetry of the doublet at low energies, while in the UV they generate an algebra known in integrability as the Onsager algebra. This latter model is in fact the celebrated magnetic Weyl semimetal which is known to have a chiral anomaly from the action of $U(1)$ and crystalline translation, that gives rise to an anomalous Hall response - however reinterpreted in our language, it has two exact $U(1)$ symmetries that gives rise to the global $SU(2)$ anomaly which protects the gaplessness even when crystalline translations are broken. We also construct an exact symmetry-protected single Dirac cone in 2+1d with the $U(1) \rtimes T$ parity anomaly. Our constructions evade both old and recently-proven no-go theorems by using not-on-siteness in a crucial way, showing our results are sharp.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Symmetry Breaking from Monopole Condensation in QED$_3$

QED in three dimensions with an $SU(2)_f$ doublet $\psi^i$ of massless, charge-1 Dirac fermions (and no Chern-Simons term) has a $U(2) = (SU(2)_f \times U(1)_m)/\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry that acts on gauge-invariant local operators, including monopole operators charged under $U(1)_m$. We argue that there are only two plausible IR scenarios: either the theory flows to a CFT with $U(2)$ symmetry (a scenario strongly constrained by conformal bootstrap bounds); or it spontaneously breaks $U(2) \to U(1)$ via the condensation of a monopole operator of smallest $U(1)_m$ charge, which is a $U(2)$ doublet. This leads to three Nambu-Goldstone bosons described by a sigma model into a squashed three-sphere $S^3$ with $U(2)$ isometry. The conventional $SU(2)_f$-triplet order parameter $i \bar \psi \vec \sigma \, \psi$ also gets a vev, exactly aligned with the monopole vev, such that the triplet parametrizes the $\mathbb{CP}^1$ base of the $S^3$ Hopf bundle, with the monopoles providing the $S^1$ fibers. We recall why this scenario is compatible with the Vafa-Witten theorem. These results are obtained by considering the phase diagram as a function of the fermion triplet mass $\vec m$. We argue that for all $\vec m \neq 0$ there is a Coulomb phase with a weakly-coupled photon, which arises from a suitable monopole vev; taking $\vec m \to 0$ leads to the symmetry-breaking scenario above. Throughout, we give a detailed account of anomaly matching, which leads to a $\theta=\pi$ term in the $S^3$ sigma model. In one presentation, it can be understood as a Hopf term in a suitably gauged version of the $\mathbb{CP}^1$ sigma model.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

The Smith Fiber Sequence and Invertible Field Theories

Smith homomorphisms are maps between bordism groups that change both the dimension and the tangential structure. We give a completely general account of Smith homomorphisms, unifying the many examples in the literature. We provide three definitions of Smith homomorphisms, including as maps of Thom spectra, and show they are equivalent. Using this, we identify the cofiber of the spectrum-level Smith map and extend the Smith homomorphism to a long exact sequence of bordism groups, which is a powerful computation tool. We discuss several examples of this long exact sequence, relating them to known constructions such as Wood's and Wall's sequences. Furthermore, taking Anderson duals yields a long exact sequence of invertible field theories, which has a rich physical interpretation. We developed the theory in this paper with applications in mind to symmetry breaking in quantum field theory, which we study in a companion paper.

math.AT↗

arXiv2023

$W$ state is not the unique ground state of any local Hamiltonian

The characterization of ground states among all quantum states is an important problem in quantum many-body physics. For example, the celebrated entanglement area law for gapped Hamiltonians has allowed for efficient simulation of 1d and some 2d quantum systems using matrix product states. Among ground states, some types, such as cat states (like the GHZ state) or topologically ordered states, can only appear alongside their degenerate partners, as is understood from the theory of spontaneous symmetry breaking. In this work, we introduce a new class of simple states, including the $W$ state, that can only occur as a ground state alongside an exactly degenerate partner, even in gapless or disordered models. We show that these states are never an element of a stable gapped ground state manifold, which may provide a new method to discard a wide range of 'unstable' entanglement area law states in the numerical search of gapped phases. On the other hand when these degenerate states are the ground states of gapless systems they possess an excitation spectrum with $O(1/L^2)$ finite-size splitting. One familiar situation where this special kind of gaplessness occurs is at a Lifshitz transition due to a zero mode; a potential quantum state signature of such a critical point. We explore pathological parent Hamiltonians, and discuss generalizations to higher dimensions, other related states, and implications for understanding thermodynamic limits of many-body quantum systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

A Long Exact Sequence in Symmetry Breaking: order parameter constraints, defect anomaly-matching, and higher Berry phases

We study defects in symmetry breaking phases, such as domain walls, vortices, and hedgehogs. In particular, we focus on the localized gapless excitations which sometimes occur at the cores of these objects. These are topologically protected by an 't Hooft anomaly. We classify different symmetry breaking phases in terms of the anomalies of these defects, and relate them to the anomaly of the broken symmetry by an anomaly-matching formula. We also derive the obstruction to the existence of a symmetry breaking phase with a local defect. We obtain these results using a long exact sequence of groups of invertible field theories, which we call the "symmetry breaking long exact sequence" (SBLES). The mathematical backbone of the SBLES is studied in a companion paper. Our work further develops the theory of higher Berry phase and its bulk-boundary correspondence, and serves as a new computational tool for classifying symmetry protected topological phases.

hep-th↗

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

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.

cond-mat.str-el↗

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.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

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 $\alpha$, 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 $\alpha>1$, 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 $\alpha<1$ where our results still hold, and (ii) showing that gapless symmetry-protected topological chains can have topological invariants and edge modes when $\alpha -1$ exceeds the dynamical critical exponent.

cond-mat.str-el↗