Dimensional Quantum Field Theory Research Articles

Entropy Flow in Near-Critical Quantum Circuits

Near-critical quantum circuits are ideal physical systems for asymptotically large-scale quantum computers, because their low energy collective excitations evolve reversibly, effectively isolated from the environment. The design of reversible computers is constrained by the laws governing entropy flow within the computer. In near-critical quantum circuits, entropy flows as a locally conserved quantum current, obeying circuit laws analogous to the electric circuit laws. The quantum entropy current is just the energy current divided by the temperature. A quantum circuit made from a near-critical system (of conventional type) is described by a relativistic 1+1 dimensional relativistic quantum field theory on the circuit. The universal properties of the energy-momentum tensor constrain the entropy flow characteristics of the circuit components: the entropic conductivity of the quantum wires and the entropic admittance of the quantum circuit junctions. For example, near-critical quantum wires are always resistanceless inductors for entropy. A universal formula is derived for the entropic conductivity: \sigma_S(\omega)=iv^{2}S/\omega T, where \omega is the frequency, T the temperature, S the equilibrium entropy density and v the velocity of `light'. The thermal conductivity is Real(T\sigma_S(\omega))=\pi v^{2}S\delta(\omega). The thermal Drude weight is, universally, v^{2}S. This gives a way to measure the entropy density directly.

A short survey of quantum computing

Quantum computing is closely related to [Formula: see text]-dimensional topological quantum field theory through its approach in topological quantum computation. The following are notes based on lectures given by the author at the Mathematics Department of George Washington University. The idea is to give a brief introduction and survey of a few basic facts of quantum computing to an audience of non-experts interested in taking a quick look at some of the most important concepts of quantum computing. The author is a topologist with strong interest in the general ideas of quantum computing. The notes touch on how quantum topology enters the field but emphasizes the general ideas of quantum computing in the first place.

Multipoint Green's functions in 1 + 1 dimensional integrable quantum field theories

We calculate the multipoint Green's functions in 1+1 dimensional integrable quantum field theories. We use the crossing formula for general models and calculate the 3 and 4 point functions taking in to account only the lower nontrivial intermediate states contributions. Then we apply the general results to the examples of the scaling Z2 Ising model, sinh-Gordon model and Z3 scaling Potts model. We demonstrate this calculations explicitly. The results can be applied to physical phenomena as for example to the Raman scattering.

From Planck Data to Planck Era: Observational Tests of Holographic Cosmology.

We test a class of holographic models for the very early Universe against cosmological observations and find that they are competitive to the standard cold dark matter model with a cosmological constant (ΛCDM) of cosmology. These models are based on three-dimensional perturbative superrenormalizable quantum field theory (QFT), and, while they predict a different power spectrum from the standard power law used in ΛCDM, they still provide an excellent fit to the data (within their regime of validity). By comparing the Bayesian evidence for the models, we find that ΛCDM does a better job globally, while the holographic models provide a (marginally) better fit to the data without very low multipoles (i.e., l≲30), where the QFT becomes nonperturbative. Observations can be used to exclude some QFT models, while we also find models satisfying all phenomenological constraints: The data rule out the dual theory being a Yang-Mills theory coupled to fermions only but allow for a Yang-Mills theory coupled to nonminimal scalars with quartic interactions. Lattice simulations of 3D QFTs can provide nonperturbative predictions for large-angle statistics of the cosmic microwave background and potentially explain its apparent anomalies.

Vortex operator and BKT transition in Abelian duality

We give a new simple derivation for the sine-Gordon description of Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) phase transition. Our derivation is simpler than traditional derivations. Besides, our derivation is a continuous field theoretic derivation by using path integration, different from the traditional derivations which are based on lattice theory or based on Coulomb gas model. Our new derivation relies on Abelian duality of two dimensional quantum field theory. By utilizing this duality in path integration, we find that the vortex configurations are naturally mapped to exponential operators in dual description. Since these operators are the vortex operators that can create vortices, the sine-Gordon description then naturally follows. Our method may be useful for the investigation to the BKT physics of superconductors.

Gravity as a four dimensional algebraic quantum field theory

Based on a family of indefinite unitary representations of the diffeomorphism group of an oriented smooth $4$-manifold, a manifestly covariant $4$ dimensional and non-perturbative algebraic quantum field theory formulation of gravity is exhibited. More precisely among the bounded linear operators acting on these representation spaces we identify algebraic curvature tensors hence a net of local quantum observables can be constructed from $C^*$-algebras generated by local curvature tensors and vector fields. This algebraic quantum field theory is extracted from structures provided by an oriented smooth $4$-manifold only hence possesses a diffeomorphism symmetry. In this way classical general relativity exactly in $4$ dimensions naturally embeds into a quantum framework. Several Hilbert space representations of the theory are found. First a "tautological representation" of the limiting global $C^*$-algebra is constructed allowing to associate to any oriented smooth $4$-manifold a von Neumann algebra in a canonical fashion. Secondly, influenced by the Dougan--Mason approach to gravitational quasilocal energy-momentum, we construct certain representations what we call "positive mass representations" with unbroken diffeomorphism symmetry. Thirdly, we also obtain "classical representaions" with spontaneously broken diffeomorphism symmetry corresponding to the classical limit of the theory which turns out to be general relativity. Finally we observe that the whole family of "positive mass representations" comprise a $2$ dimensional conformal field theory in the sense of G. Segal.

Double Ramification Cycles and Quantum Integrable Systems

In this paper we define a quantization of the Double Ramification Hierarchies of [Bur15b] and [BR14], using intersection numbers of the double ramification cycle, the full Chern class of the Hodge bundle and psi-classes with a given cohomological field theory. We provide effective recursion formulae which determine the full quantum hierarchy starting from just one Hamiltonian, the one associated with the first descendant of the unit of the cohomological field theory only. We study various examples which provide, in very explicit form, new $(1+1)$-dimensional integrable quantum field theories whose classical limits are well-known integrable hierarchies such as KdV, Intermediate Long Wave, Extended Toda, etc. Finally we prove polynomiality in the ramification multiplicities of the integral of any tautological class over the double ramification cycle.

Geometries from field theories

We propose a method to define a $d+1$ dimensional geometry from a $d$ dimensional quantum field theory in the $1/N$ expansion. We first construct a $d+1$ dimensional field theory from the $d$ dimensional one via the gradient flow equation, whose flow time $t$ represents the energy scale of the system such that $t\rightarrow 0$ corresponds to the ultra-violet (UV) while $t\rightarrow\infty$ to the infra-red (IR). We then define the induced metric from $d+1$ dimensional field operators. We show that the metric defined in this way becomes classical in the large $N$ limit, in a sense that quantum fluctuations of the metric are suppressed as $1/N$ due to the large $N$ factorization property. As a concrete example, we apply our method to the O(N) non-linear $\sigma$ model in two dimensions. We calculate the three dimensional induced metric, which is shown to describe an AdS space in the massless limit. We finally discuss several open issues in future studies.

Entanglement entropy of non-unitary integrable quantum field theory

In this paper we study the simplest massive 1+1 dimensional integrable quantum field theory which can be described as a perturbation of a non-unitary minimal conformal field theory: the Lee–Yang model. We are particularly interested in the features of the bi-partite entanglement entropy for this model and on building blocks thereof, namely twist field form factors. Non-unitarity selects out a new type of twist field as the operator whose two-point function (appropriately normalized) yields the entanglement entropy. We compute this two-point function both from a form factor expansion and by means of perturbed conformal field theory. We find good agreement with CFT predictions put forward in a recent work involving the present authors. In particular, our results are consistent with a scaling of the entanglement entropy given by ceff3log⁡ℓ where ceff is the effective central charge of the theory (a positive number related to the central charge) and ℓ is the size of the region. Furthermore the form factor expansion of twist fields allows us to explore the large region limit of the entanglement entropy and find the next-to-leading order correction to saturation. We find that this correction is very different from its counterpart in unitary models. Whereas in the latter case, it had a form depending only on few parameters of the model (the particle spectrum), it appears to be much more model-dependent for non-unitary models.

Softened gravity and the extension of the standard model up to infinite energy

Attempts to solve naturalness by having the weak scale as the only breaking of classical scale invariance have to deal with two severe difficulties: gravity and the absence of Landau poles. We show that solutions to the first problem require premature modifications of gravity at scales no larger than 1011 GeV, while the second problem calls for many new particles at the weak scale. To build models that fulfill these properties, we classify 4- dimensional Quantum Field Theories that satisfy Total Asymptotic Freedom (TAF): the theory holds up to infinite energy, where all coupling constants flow to zero. We develop a technique to identify such theories and determine their low-energy predictions. Since the Standard Model turns out to be asymptotically free only under the unphysical conditions g 1 = 0, M t = 186 GeV, M τ = 0, M h = 163 GeV, we explore some of its weak-scale extensions that satisfy the requirements for TAF.

Topologically distinct critical theories emerging from the bulk entanglement spectrum of integer quantum Hall states on a lattice

The critical theories for the topological phase transitions of integer quantum Hall states to a trivial insulating state with the same symmetry can be obtained by calculating the ground state entanglement spectrum under a symmetric checkerboard bipartition. In contrast to the gapless edge excitations under the left-right bipartition, a quantum network with bulk gapless excitations naturally emerges at the Brillouin zone center without fine tuning. On a large finite lattice, the resulting critical theory for the $\nu =1$ state is the (2+1) dimensional relativistic quantum field theory characterized by a \textit{single} Dirac cone spectrum and a pair of \textit{fractionalized} zero-energy states, while for the $\nu =2$ state the critical theory exhibits a parabolic spectrum and no sign of fractionalization in the zero-energy states. A triangular correspondence is established among the bulk topological theory, gapless edge theory, and the critical theory via the ground state entanglement spectrum.

Renormalization group analysis of the competition between distinct order parameters

We perform a detailed renormalization group analysis to study a (2+1)-dimensional quantum field theory that is composed of two interacting scalar bosons, which represent the order parameters for two continuous phase transitions. This sort of field theory can describe the competition and coexistence between distinct long-range orders, and therefore plays a vital role in statistical physics and condensed matter physics. We first derive and solve the renormalization group equations of all the relevant physical parameters, and then show that the system does not have any stable fixed point in the lowest energy limit. Interestingly, this conclusion holds in both the ordered and disordered phases, and also at the quantum critical point. Therefore, the originally continuous transitions are unavoidably turned to first-order due to ordering competition. Moreover, we examine the impacts of massless Goldstone boson generated by continuous symmetry breaking on ordering competition, and briefly discuss the physical implications of our results.

C − a from the N = 1 $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ superconformal index

We present a prescription for obtaining the difference of the central charges, c−a, of a four dimensional superconformal quantum field theory from its single-trace index. The formula is derived from a one-loop holographic computation, but is expected to be valid independent of holography. We demonstrate the prescription with several holographic and non-holographic examples. As an application of our formula, we show the AdS/CFT matching of c − a for arbitrary toric quiver CFTs without adjoint matter that are dual to smooth Sasaki-Einstein 5-manifolds.

Feynman graph generation and calculations in the Hopf algebra of Feynman graphs

Two programs for the computation of perturbative expansions of quantum field theory amplitudes are provided. feyngen can be used to generate Feynman graphs for Yang–Mills, QED and φk theories. Using dedicated graph theoretic tools feyngen can generate graphs of comparatively high loop orders. feyncop implements the Hopf algebra of those Feynman graphs which incorporates the renormalization procedure necessary to calculate finite results in perturbation theory of the underlying quantum field theory. feyngen is validated by comparison to explicit calculations of zero dimensional quantum field theories and feyncop is validated using a combinatorial identity on the Hopf algebra of graphs. Program summaryProgram title:feyngen, feyncopCatalogue identifier: AEUB_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEUB_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2657No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 22606Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: Python.Computer: PC.Operating system: Unix, GNU/Linux.RAM: 64 m bytesClassification: 4.4.External routines: nauty [1], geng, multig (part of the nauty package)Nature of problem:Performing explicit calculations in quantum field theory Feynman graphs are indispensable. Infinities arising in the perturbative calculations make renormalization necessary. On a combinatorial level renormalization can be encoded using a Hopf algebra [2] whose coproduct incorporates the BPHZ procedure. Upcoming techniques initiated an interest in relatively large loop order Feynman diagrams which are not accessible by traditional tools.Solution method:Both programs use the established nauty package to ensure high performance graph generation at high loop orders. feyngen is capable of generating φk-theory, QED and Yang–Mills Feynman graphs and of filtering these graphs for the properties of connectedness, one-particle-irreducibleness, 2-vertex-connectivity and tadpole-freeness. It can handle graphs with fixed external legs as well as those without fixed external legs.feyncop uses basic graph theoretical algorithms to compute the coproduct of graphs encoding their Hopf algebra structure.Running time:All 130516 1PI, φ4, 8-loop diagrams with four external legs can be generated, together with their symmetry factor, by feyngen within eight hours and all 342430 1PI, QED, vertex residue type, 6-loop diagrams can be generated in three days both on a standard end-user PC. feyncop can calculate the coproduct of all 2346 1PI, φ4, 8-loop diagrams with four external legs within ten minutes.

(3+1)-dimensional topological quantum field theory from a tight-binding model of interacting spinless fermions

Currently, there is much interest in discovering analytically tractable (3+1)-dimensional models that describe interacting fermions with emerging topological properties. Towards that end we present a three-dimensional tight-binding model of spinless interacting fermions that reproduces, in the low energy limit, a (3+1)-dimensional Abelian topological quantum field theory called BF model. By employing a mechanism equivalent to the Haldane's Chern insulator, we can turn the non-interacting model into a three-dimensional chiral topological insulator. We then isolate energetically one of the two Fermi points of the lattice model. In the presence of suitable fermionic interactions, the system, in the continuum limit, is equivalent to a generalised (3+1)-dimensional Thirring model. The low energy limit of this model is faithfully described by the BF theory. Our approach directly establishes the presence of (2+1)-dimensional BF theory at the boundary of the lattice and it provides a way to detect the topological order of the model through fermionic density measurements.

Comments on scale and conformal invariance

There has been recent interest in the question of whether four dimensional scale invariant unitary quantum field theories are actually conformally invariant. In this note we present a complete analysis of possible scale anomalies in correlation functions of the trace of the stress-energy tensor in such theories. We find that 2-, 3- and 4-point functions have a non-trivial anomaly while connected higher point functions are non-anomalous. We pay special attention to semi-local contributions to correlators (terms with support on a set containing both coincident and separated points) and show that the anomalies in 3- and 4-point functions can be accounted for by such contributions. We discuss the implications of the our results for the question of scale versus conformal invariance.

Self-dual and quasi self-dual algebras

Self-dual algebras are ones with an A bimodule isomorphism A → A ∨op, where A ∨ = Hom k (A, k) and A ∨op is the same underlying k-module as A ∨ but with left and right operations by A interchanged. These are in particular quasi self-dual algebras, i.e., ones with an isomorphism H*(A,A) ≌ H*(A,A ∨ op). For all such algebras H*(A,A) is a contravariant functor of A. Finite-dimensional associative self-dual algebras over a field are identical with symmetric Frobenius algebras; an example of deformation of one is given. (The monoidal category of commutative Frobenius algebras is known to be equivalent to that of 1+1 dimensional topological quantum field theories.) All finite poset algebras are quasi self-dual.

Constraints on RG flow for four dimensional quantum field theories

The response of four dimensional quantum field theories to a Weyl rescaling of the metric in the presence of local couplings and which involve a, the coefficient of the Euler density in the energy momentum tensor trace on curved space, is reconsidered. Previous consistency conditions for the anomalous terms, which implicitly define a metric G on the space of couplings and give rise to gradient flow like equations for a, are derived taking into account the role of lower dimension operators. The results for infinitesimal Weyl rescaling are integrated to finite rescalings e2σ to a form which involves running couplings gσ and which interpolates between IR and UV fixed points. The results are also restricted to flat space where they give rise to broken conformal Ward identities.Expressions for the three loop Yukawa β-functions for a general scalar/fermion theory are obtained and the three loop contribution to the metric G for this theory is also calculated. These results are used to check the gradient flow equations to higher order than previously. It is shown that these are only valid when β→B, a modified β-function, and that the equations provide strong constraints on the detailed form of the three loop Yukawa β-function. N=1 supersymmetric Wess–Zumino theories are also considered as a special case. It is shown that the metric for the complex couplings in such theories may be restricted to a hermitian form.

G/G gauged WZW-matter model, Bethe Ansatz for q-boson model and Commutative Frobenius algebra

We investigate the correspondence between two dimensional topological gauge theories and quantum integrable systems discovered by Moore, Nekrasov, Shatashvili. This correspondence means that the hidden quantum integrable structure exists in the topological gauge theories. We showed the correspondence between the G/G gauged WZW model and the phase model in JHEP 11 (2012) 146 (arXiv:1209.3800). In this paper, we study a one-parameter deformation for this correspondence and show that the G/G gauged WZW model coupled to additional matters corresponds to the q-boson model. Furthermore, we investigate this correspondence from a viewpoint of the commutative Frobenius algebra, the axiom of the two dimensional topological quantum field theory.

Consistency of local renormalization group in [formula omitted

We discuss Weyl anomaly and consistency conditions of local renormalization group in d=1+2 dimensional quantum field theories. We give a classification of the consistency conditions and ambiguities in most generality within the power-counting renormalization scheme. They provide many non-trivial constraints on possible forms of beta functions, anomalous dimensions and Weyl anomaly of general d=1+2 dimensional quantum field theories. We perform modest checks of our results in conformal perturbation theories, supersymmetric field theories and holographic computations.