Emergent ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ Gauge Theories and Topological Excitations in Rydberg Atom Arrays

Emergent $Z_{2}$ Gauge Theories and Topological Excitations in Rydberg Atom Arrays

Rhine Samajdar, Darshan G. Joshi, Yanting Teng, and Subir Sachdev

Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 043601 – Published 23 January 2023

Abstract

Strongly interacting arrays of Rydberg atoms provide versatile platforms for exploring exotic many-body phases and dynamics of correlated quantum systems. Motivated by recent experimental advances, we show that the combination of Rydberg interactions and appropriate lattice geometries naturally leads to emergent $Z_{2}$ gauge theories endowed with matter fields. Based on this mapping, we describe how Rydberg platforms could realize two distinct classes of topological $Z_{2}$ quantum spin liquids, which differ in their patterns of translational symmetry fractionalization. We also discuss the natures of the fractionalized excitations of these $Z_{2}$ spin liquid states using both fermionic and bosonic parton theories and illustrate their rich interplay with proximate solid phases.

Received 4 May 2022
Accepted 5 December 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.043601

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Gauge theories Quantum simulation Quantum spin liquid

Rydberg atoms & molecules

Atomic, Molecular & OpticalCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied PhysicsParticles & Fields

Authors & Affiliations

Rhine Samajdar ^1,2,3, Darshan G. Joshi ¹, Yanting Teng ¹, and Subir Sachdev ^1,4

¹Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
²Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
³Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
⁴School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA