Bosonic Theory Research Articles

Line Operators in Chern-Simons–Matter Theories and Bosonization in Three Dimensions

We study Chern-Simons theories at large N with either bosonic or fermionic matter in the fundamental representation. The most fundamental operators in these theories are mesonic line operators, the simplest example being Wilson lines ending on fundamentals. We classify the conformal line operators along an arbitrary smooth path as well as the spectrum of conformal dimensions and transverse spins of their boundary operators at finite 't Hooft coupling. These line operators are shown to satisfy first-order chiral evolution equations, in which a smooth variation of the path is given by a factorized product of two line operators. We argue that this equation together with the spectrum of boundary operators are sufficient to uniquely determine the expectation values of these operators. We demonstrate this by bootstrapping the two-point function of the displacement operator on a straight line. We show that the line operators in the theory of bosons and the theory of fermions satisfy the same evolution equation and have the same spectrum of boundary operators.

Anyonic correlation functions in Chern-Simons matter theories

Using a novel relation between the parity-even and -odd parts of a correlator, we show that the three-point function of conserved or weakly broken currents in three-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) can be obtained from just the free fermion (FF) or the free boson (FB) theory. In the special case of large $N$ Chern-Simons matter theories, we obtain the correlator in terms of a coupling constant dependent ``anyonic phase'' factor. This anyonic phase factor was previously obtained in the $2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2$ exact S-matrix result and is consistent with strong-weak duality. By varying the coupling constant, the CFT correlator interpolates nicely between the same in the FF and FB theories.

Supersymmetric relativistic quantum mechanics in time-domain

A supersymmetric relativistic quantum theory in the temporal domain is developed for bi-spinor fields satisfying the Dirac equation. The simplest time-domain supersymmetric theory can be postulated for fields with time-dependent mass, showing an equivalence with the bosonic supersymmetric theory in time-domain. Solutions are presented and they are used to produce probability oscillations between mass states. As an application of this idea, we study the two-neutrino oscillation problem, showing that flavour state oscillations may emerge from the supersymmetry originated by the time-dependence of the unique mass of the neutrino.

Geometry-kinematics duality

We propose a mapping between geometry and kinematics that implies the classical equivalence of any theory of massless bosons -- including spin and exhibiting arbitrary derivative or potential interactions -- to a nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) with a momentum-dependent metric in field space. From this kinematic metric we construct a corresponding kinematic connection, covariant derivative, and curvature, all of which transform appropriately under general field redefinitions, even including derivatives. We show explicitly how all tree-level on-shell scattering amplitudes of massless bosons are equal to those of the NLSM via the replacement of geometry with kinematics. Lastly, we describe how the recently introduced geometric soft theorem of the NLSM, which universally encodes all leading and subleading soft scalar theorems, also captures the soft photon theorems.

Evidence of two-spinon bound states in the magnetic spectrum of Ba3CoSb2O9

Recent inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments of the triangular antiferromagnet Ba$_3$CoSb$_2$O$_9$ revealed strong deviations from semiclassical theories. We demonstrate that key features of the INS data are well reproduced by a parton Schwinger boson theory beyond the saddle-point approximation. The measured magnon dispersion is well reproduced by the dispersion of two-spinon bound states (poles of the emergent gauge fields propagator), while the low-energy continuum scattering is reproduced by a quasifree two-spinon continuum, suggesting that a free-spinon gas is a good initial framework to study magnetically ordered states near a quantum melting point.

Two loop ghost free quantisation of Wilson loops in [formula omitted] supersymmetric Yang-Mills

We report a perturbative calculation of the expectation value of the infinite straight line Maldacena-Wilson loop in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory to order g6. Thus, we extend the previous perturbative result by one order. The vacuum expectation value is reformulated in terms of a non-linear and non-local transformation, the Nicolai map, mapping the full functional measure of the interacting theory to that of a free bosonic theory. The results are twofold. The perturbative cancellations of the different contributions to the Maldacena-Wilson loop are by no means trivial and seem to resemble those of the circular Maldacena-Wilson loop at order g4. Furthermore, we argue that our approach to computing quantum correlation functions is competitive with more standard diagrammatic techniques.

Monitored open fermion dynamics: Exploring the interplay of measurement, decoherence, and free Hamiltonian evolution

The interplay of unitary evolution and local measurements in many-body systems gives rise to a stochastic state evolution and to measurement-induced phase transitions in the pure state entanglement. In realistic settings, however, this dynamics may be spoiled by decoherence, e.g., dephasing, due to coupling to an environment or measurement imperfections. We investigate the impact of dephasing and the inevitable evolution into a non-Gaussian, mixed state, on the dynamics of monitored fermions. We approach it from three complementary perspectives: (i) the exact solution of the conditional master equation for small systems, (ii) quantum trajectory simulations of Gaussian states for large systems, and (iii) a renormalization group analysis of a bosonic replica field theory. For weak dephasing, constant monitoring preserves a weakly mixed state, which displays a robust measurement-induced phase transition between a critical and a pinned phase, as in the decoherence-free case. At strong dephasing, we observe the emergence of a new scale describing an effective temperature, which is accompanied with an increased mixedness of the fermion density matrix. Remarkably, observables such as density-density correlation functions or the subsystem parity still display scale invariant behavior even in this strongly mixed phase. We interpret this as a signature of gapless, classical diffusion, which is stabilized by the balanced interplay of Hamiltonian dynamics, measurements, and decoherence.

Nearly Optimal Quantum Algorithm for Generating the Ground State of a Free Quantum Field Theory

Generating the ground state of a free massive scalar bosonic quantum field theory: two quantum algorithms with nearly optimal runtimes are devised, delivering super-quadratic speedup over the state-of-the-art.

Schwinger boson theory of ordered magnets

The Schwinger boson theory provides a natural path for treating quantum spin systems with large quantum fluctuations. In contrast to semi-classical treatments, this theory allows us to describe a continuous transition between magnetically ordered and spin liquid states, as well as the continuous evolution of the corresponding excitation spectrum. The square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet is one of the first models that was approached with the Schwinger boson theory. Here we revisit this problem to reveal several subtle points that were omitted in previous treatments and that are crucial to further develop this formalism. These points include the freedom for the choice of the saddle point (Hubbard-Stratonovich decoupling and choice of the condensate) and the $1/N$ expansion in the presence of a condensate. A key observation is that the spinon condensate leads to Feynman diagrams that include contributions of different order in $1/N$, which must be accounted to get a qualitatively correct excitation spectrum. We demonstrate that a proper treatment of these contributions leads to an exact cancellation of the single-spinon poles of the dynamical spin structure factor, as expected for a magnetically ordered state. The only surviving poles are the ones arising from the magnons (two-spinon bound states), which are the true collective modes of an ordered magnet.

Universality of a truncated sigma-model

Bosonic quantum field theories, even when regularized using a finite lattice, possess an infinite dimensional Hilbert space and, therefore, cannot be simulated in quantum computers with a finite number of qubits. A truncation of the Hilbert space is then needed and the physical results are obtained after a double limit: one to remove the truncation and another to remove the regulator (the continuum limit). A simpler alternative is to find a model with a finite dimensional Hilbert space belonging to the same universality class as the continuum model (a “qubitization”), so only the space continuum limit is required. A qubitization of the 1+1 dimensional asymptotically free O(3) nonlinear σ-model based on ideas of non-commutative geometry was previously proposed [1] and, in this paper, we provide evidence that it reproduces the physics of the σ-model both in the infrared and the ultraviolet regimes.

Tensor-network renormalization approach to the q -state clock model

We simulate the phase diagram and critical behavior of the $q$-state clock model on the square lattice by using the state-of-the-art loop optimization for tensor-network renormalization (loop-TNR) algorithm. The two phase transition points for $q\ensuremath{\ge}5$ are determined with very high accuracy. Furthermore, by computing the conformal scaling dimensions for both transition points, we are able to determine the radius $R$ of the compactified boson theories at both transition points with high precision. In particular, the radius $R$ at higher temperature phase transition point is precisely the same as the one predicted by Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition. Moreover, we find that the fixed-point tensors at higher temperature transition point also converge to the same one approximately for large enough $q$ and the corresponding operator product expansion (OPE) coefficient of the compactified boson theory can also be read out directly from the fixed-point tensor.

Generalized entanglement entropies in two-dimensional conformal field theory

We introduce and study generalized Rényi entropies defined through the traces of products of TrB(| Ψi⟩⟨Ψj| ) where ∣Ψi⟩ are eigenstates of a two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT). When ∣Ψi⟩ = ∣Ψj⟩ these objects reduce to the standard Rényi entropies of the eigenstates of the CFT. Exploiting the path integral formalism, we show that the second generalized Rényi entropies are equivalent to four point correlators. We then focus on a free bosonic theory for which the mode expansion of the fields allows us to develop an efficient strategy to compute the second generalized Rényi entropy for all eigenstates. As a byproduct, our approach also leads to new results for the standard Rényi and relative entropies involving arbitrary descendent states of the bosonic CFT.

Quaternionic quantum mechanics for N\u2009=\u20091, 2, 4 supersymmetry

BackgroundQuaternions have emerged as powerful tools in higher-dimensional quantum mechanics as they provide homogeneous four-dimensional structure in quantum field theories, offer compact representations, and incorporate spin naturally. Quantum field theories then lead to the unification of fundamental interactions so the use of quaternion becomes necessary when we are dealing with higher-dimensional theories. On the other hand, supersymmetry is the theory of bosons and fermions and is an essential constituent of grand unified theories. The use of quaternion in supersymmetric field theories provides an excellent framework for higher-dimensional unification theories.ResultA complete theory for supersymmetric quaternionic quantum mechanics has been constructed for N = 1, 2, 4 supersymmetry in terms of one, two, and four supercharges and Hamiltonians, respectively. It has been shown that N = 4 SUSY is the quaternionic extension of the N = 2 complex SUSY and N = 1 real SUSY; also spin is the natural outcome of using quaternion units. Pauli and Dirac Hamiltonian and their relationship have also been obtained in quaternion space. It has been shown that quaternionic quantum mechanics are superior to ordinary and complex quantum mechanics because in the quaternion framework we do not need three different theories for N = 1,2,4 SQM but a single theory only.ConclusionsIt has been concluded that N = 1 real SUSY is equal to N = 2 complex SUSY which in turn is equal to N = 4 quaternion SUSY so one can arrive at higher-dimensional quantum field theories starting from lower-dimensional quantum theories. Higher-dimensional quaternion field theories are suitable for nonphotonic light cone particles which are not allowed in complex QFT, also noncommutative nature of quaternion gives an extra degree of freedom and may provide the possibility of some new particle, dark matter, or new phenomenon. Though quaternions provide an excellent framework in higher-dimensional field theories, there are certain challenges due to their noncommutativity as calculations become tedious where large terms are involved. Keeping in view the noble features of quaternion, we expect some development to get a better understanding of N = 8 supergravity, maximal supergravity (D = 11 − n), and maximal supersymmetry theories (N = 10) in terms of quaternion operators.

Time scaling of entanglement in integrable scale-invariant theories

In two dimensional isotropic scale invariant theories, the time scaling of the entanglement entropy of a segment is fixed via the conformal symmetry. We consider scale invariance in a more general sense and show that in integrable theories that the scale invariance is anisotropic between time and space, parametrized by $z$, most of the entanglement is carried by the slow modes for $z>1$. At early times entanglement grows linearly due to the contribution of the fast modes, before smoothly entering a slow mode regime where it grows forever with $t^{\frac{1}{1-z}}$. The slow mode regime admits a logarithmic enhancement in bosonic theories. We check our analytical results against numerical simulations in corresponding fermionic and bosonic lattice models finding extremely good agreement. We show that in these non-relativistic theories that the slow modes are dominant, local quantum information is universally scrambled in a stronger way compared to their relativistic counterparts.

Entanglement entropy across the lattice-continuum correspondence

This paper revisits the standard calculations of free field entanglement entropy in light of the newly developed lattice-continuum correspondence. This correspondence prescribes an explicit method to extract an approximately continuum quantum field theory out of a fully regularized lattice theory. This prescription will here be extended to subregion algebras, and it will be shown how entropies of continuum boson and fermion theories can be computed by working purely with lattice quantities. This gives a clear picture of the origin of divergences in entanglement entropy while also presenting a concise and detailed recipe for calculating this important quantity in continuum theories.

Linear bosonic quantum field theories arising from causal variational principles

It is shown that the linearized fields of causal variational principles give rise to linear bosonic quantum field theories. The properties of these field theories are studied and compared with the axioms of local quantum physics. Distinguished quasi-free states are constructed.

Exotic invertible phases with higher-group symmetries

We investigate a family of invertible phases of matter with higher-dimensional exotic excitations in even spacetime dimensions, which includes and generalizes the Kitaev’s chain in 1+1d. The excitation has \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 higher-form symmetry that mixes with the spacetime Lorentz symmetry to form a higher group spacetime symmetry. We focus on the invertible exotic loop topological phase in 3+1d. This invertible phase is protected by the \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 one-form symmetry and the time-reversal symmetry, and has surface thermal Hall conductance not realized in conventional time-reversal symmetric ordinary bosonic systems without local fermion particles and the exotic loops. We describe a UV realization of the invertible exotic loop topological order using the SO(3)_-SO(3)− gauge theory with unit discrete theta parameter, which enjoys the same spacetime two-group symmetry. We discuss several applications including the analogue of ``fermionization’’ for ordinary bosonic theories with \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 non-anomalous internal higher-form symmetry and time-reversal symmetry.

Entanglement of magnon excitations in spin chains

We calculate exactly the entanglement content of magnon excited states in the integrable spin-1/2 XXX and XXZ chains in the scaling limit. In particular, we show that as far as the number of excited magnons with respect to the size of the system is small one can decompose the entanglement content, in the scaling limit, to the sum of the entanglement of particular excited states of free fermionic or bosonic theories. In addition we conjecture that the entanglement content of the generic translational invariant free fermionic and bosonic Hamiltonians can be also classified, in the scaling limit, with respect to the entanglement content of the fermionic and bosonic chains with the number operator as the Hamiltonian in certain circumstances. Our results effectively classify the entanglement content of wide range of integrable spin chains in the scaling limit.

New anomalies, TQFTs, and confinement in bosonic chiral gauge theories

We study a class of 4-dimensional SU(N) chiral gauge theories with fermions in the 2-index symmetric and antisymmetric representations and classify their infrared phases. The choice N = 4ℤ corresponds to gauging the fermion number and makes the theory purely bosonic. We examine the most general background fields of the centers of the gauge, non-abelian flavor, and U(1)-axial groups that can be consistently activated, thereby determine the faithful global continuous and discrete symmetries of the theory. This allows us to identify new mixed 0-form/1-form ‘t Hooft anomalies on both spin and nonspin manifolds. If the theory confines, the absence of composite fermions implies that continuous symmetries must be broken down to anomaly-free subgroups. Anomalies associated with discrete symmetries can be saturated either by breaking the symmetry or by a symmetry-preserving topological quantum field theory (TQFT). The latter, however, is obstructed on spin manifold. The interplay between these features greatly restricts the possible infrared physics. We present two examples that demonstrate our approach. We argue that if the theory confines, the zoo of anomalies and TQFT obstruction greatly restrict the viable infrared condensates. We also discuss the possibility that some theories flow to a conformal fixed point.

Constraining momentum space CFT correlators with consistent position space OPE limit and the collider bound

Consistency with position space OPE limit requires three-point momentum space CFT correlators to have only total energy singularity. We show that this requirement gives a simple proof of the known result that in three dimensions the parity-odd structure cannot exist for three-point correlators of exactly conserved currents with spins si, sj, sk, when triangle inequality si ≤ sj + sk is violated. We also show that even for parity even correlation functions the properties are different inside and outside the triangle. It was previously shown that if we allow for weakly broken higher spin symmetry, parity-odd correlators can exist even when triangle inequality is violated. In this paper we establish a relation between non-conservation Ward-Takahashi (WT) identities for weakly broken currents at large N and the WT identities for exactly conserved currents with the help of a few examples. This allows us to calculate the parity violating results outside the triangle using parity-even free bosonic and free fermionic results.In general, there is one parity-odd structure and two parity-even structures for three-point functions. It can be shown that the coefficient of one of the parity-even and odd parts can be combined into a complex parameter c when correlators are expressed in spinor-helicity variables. When this complex parameter takes real value c = ±1 it corresponds to either the free boson or free fermion theory. When c is a pure phase, it corresponds to Chern-Simons matter theories. Furthermore, re-expressing known results for conformal collider bounds we see that |c| ≤ 1 for generic 3d CFTs and |c| ≤ f(∆gap) for holographic CFTs.