Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model
Abstract Lattice gauge theories, the discrete counterparts of continuum gauge theories, provide a rich framework for studying non-equilibrium quantum dynamics. Recent studies suggest disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model, but its origin remains unclear. Using a combination of ana...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Communications Physics |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-025-02039-8 |
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| _version_ | 1850181415055917056 |
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| author | Jared Jeyaretnam Tanmay Bhore Jesse J. Osborne Jad C. Halimeh Zlatko Papić |
| author_facet | Jared Jeyaretnam Tanmay Bhore Jesse J. Osborne Jad C. Halimeh Zlatko Papić |
| author_sort | Jared Jeyaretnam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Lattice gauge theories, the discrete counterparts of continuum gauge theories, provide a rich framework for studying non-equilibrium quantum dynamics. Recent studies suggest disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model, but its origin remains unclear. Using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, we show that Hilbert space fragmentation emerges in the strong coupling limit, constraining particle dynamics and causing sharp jumps in entanglement entropy growth within charge sectors. By analyzing jump statistics, we find that entanglement growth follows a single-logarithmic or weak power-law dependence on time, rather than a double-logarithmic form. This suggests a single ergodicity-breaking regime that mimics many-body localization in finite systems due to fragmentation effects. Our findings clarify the nature of disorder-free localization and its distinction from conventional many-body localization, highlighting how gauge constraints influence thermalization in lattice gauge theories. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-86dfc8eca9d647d4b4ceaaeada5970fb |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2399-3650 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Physics |
| spelling | doaj-art-86dfc8eca9d647d4b4ceaaeada5970fb2025-08-20T02:17:54ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Physics2399-36502025-04-018111310.1038/s42005-025-02039-8Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger modelJared Jeyaretnam0Tanmay Bhore1Jesse J. Osborne2Jad C. Halimeh3Zlatko Papić4School of Physics and Astronomy, University of LeedsSchool of Physics and Astronomy, University of LeedsSchool of Mathematics and Physics, The University of QueenslandMax Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsSchool of Physics and Astronomy, University of LeedsAbstract Lattice gauge theories, the discrete counterparts of continuum gauge theories, provide a rich framework for studying non-equilibrium quantum dynamics. Recent studies suggest disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model, but its origin remains unclear. Using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, we show that Hilbert space fragmentation emerges in the strong coupling limit, constraining particle dynamics and causing sharp jumps in entanglement entropy growth within charge sectors. By analyzing jump statistics, we find that entanglement growth follows a single-logarithmic or weak power-law dependence on time, rather than a double-logarithmic form. This suggests a single ergodicity-breaking regime that mimics many-body localization in finite systems due to fragmentation effects. Our findings clarify the nature of disorder-free localization and its distinction from conventional many-body localization, highlighting how gauge constraints influence thermalization in lattice gauge theories.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-025-02039-8 |
| spellingShingle | Jared Jeyaretnam Tanmay Bhore Jesse J. Osborne Jad C. Halimeh Zlatko Papić Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model Communications Physics |
| title | Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model |
| title_full | Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model |
| title_fullStr | Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model |
| title_short | Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model |
| title_sort | hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder free localization in the lattice schwinger model |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-025-02039-8 |
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