Entanglement Entropy Research Articles

Observation of Hilbert space fragmentation and fractonic excitations in 2D

AbstractThe relaxation behaviour of isolated quantum systems taken out of equilibrium is among the most intriguing questions in many-body physics1. Quantum systems out of equilibrium typically relax to thermal equilibrium states by scrambling local information and building up entanglement entropy. However, kinetic constraints in the Hamiltonian can lead to a breakdown of this fundamental paradigm owing to a fragmentation of the underlying Hilbert space into dynamically decoupled subsectors in which thermalization can be strongly suppressed2–5. Here we experimentally observe Hilbert space fragmentation in a two-dimensional tilted Bose–Hubbard model. Using quantum gas microscopy, we engineer a wide variety of initial states and find a rich set of manifestations of Hilbert space fragmentation involving bulk states, interfaces and defects, that is, two-, one- and zero-dimensional objects. Specifically, uniform initial states with equal particle number and energy differ strikingly in their relaxation dynamics. Inserting controlled defects on top of a global, non-thermalizing chequerboard state, we observe highly anisotropic, subdimensional dynamics, an immediate signature of their fractonic nature6–9. An interface between localized and thermalizing states in turn shows dynamics depending on its orientation. Our results mark the observation of Hilbert space fragmentation beyond one dimension, as well as the concomitant direct observation of fractons, and pave the way for in-depth studies of microscopic transport phenomena in constrained systems.

Pseudoentropy sum rule by analytical continuation of the superposition parameter

Abstract In this paper, we establish a sum rule that connects the pseudoentropy and entanglement entropy of the superposition state. Through analytical continuation of the superposition parameter, we demonstrate that the transition matrix and density matrix of the superposition state can be treated in a unified manner. Within this framework, we naturally derive sum rules for the (reduced) transition matrix, pseudo-Rényi entropy, and pseudoentropy. Furthermore, we demonstrate the close relationship between the sum rule for pseudoentropy and the singularity structure of the entropy function for the superposition state after analytical continuation. We also explore potential applications of the sum rule, including its relevance to understanding the gravity dual of non-Hermitian transition matrices and establishing upper bounds for the absolute value of pseudoentropy.

QCD evolution of entanglement entropy

Abstract Entanglement entropy has emerged as a novel tool for probing nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phenomena, such as color confinement in protons. While recent studies have demonstrated its significant capability in describing hadron production in deep inelastic scatterings, the QCD evolution of entanglement entropy remains unexplored. In this work, we investigate the differential rapidity-dependent entanglement entropy within the proton and its connection to final-state hadrons, aiming to elucidate its QCD evolution. Our analysis reveals a strong agreement between the rapidity dependence of von Neumann entropy, obtained from QCD evolution equations, and the corresponding experimental data on hadron entropy. These findings provide compelling evidence for the emergence of a maximally entangled state, offering new insights into the nonperturbative structure of protons.

Stretched horizon from conformal field theory

Recently, it has been observed that the Hartle-Hawking correlators, a signature of smooth horizon, can emerge from certain heavy excited state correlators in the (manifestly non-smooth) BTZ stretched horizon background, in the limit when the stretched horizon approaches the real horizon. In this note, we develop a framework of quantizing the CFT modular Hamiltonian, that explains the necessity of introducing a stretched horizon and the emergence of thermal features in the AdS-Rindler and (planar) BTZ backgrounds. In more detail, we quantize vacuum modular Hamiltonian on a spatial segment of S1, which can be written as a particular linear combination of sl(2,ℝ) generators. Unlike radial quantization, (Euclidean) time circles emerge naturally here which can be contracted smoothly to the ‘fixed points’(end points of the interval) of this quantization thus providing a direct link to thermal physics. To define a Hilbert space with discrete normalizable states and to construct a Virasoro algebra with finite central extension, a natural regulator (ϵ) is needed around the fixed points. Eventually, in the dual description the fixed points correspond to the horizons of AdS-Rindler patch or (planar) BTZ and the cut-off being the stretched horizon. We construct a (Lorentzian) highest weight representation of that Virasoro algebra where vacuum can be identified with certain boundary states on the cut-off surface. We further demonstrate that two point function in a (vacuum) descendant state of the regulated Hilbert space will reproduce thermal answer in ϵ → 0 limit which is analogous to the recent observation of emergent thermality in (planar) BTZ stretched horizon background. We also argue the thermal entropy of this quantization coincides with entanglement entropy of the subregion. Conversely, the microcanonical entropy corresponding to high energy density of states exactly reproduce the BTZ entropy. Quite remarkably, all these dominant high lying microstates are defined only at finite ϵ in the regulated Hilbert space. We expect that all our observations can be generalized to BTZ in stretched horizon background where the boundary spatial coordinate is compactified.

Non-Abelian symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy

We introduce a mathematical framework for symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy with a non-Abelian symmetry group. To obtain a reduced density matrix that is block-diagonal in the non-Abelian charges, we define subsystems operationally in terms of subalgebras of invariant observables. We derive exact formulas for the average and the variance of the typical entanglement entropy for the ensemble of random pure states with fixed non-Abelian charges. We focus on compact, semisimple Lie groups. We show that, compared to the Abelian case, new phenomena arise from the interplay of locality and non-Abelian symmetry, such as the asymmetry of the entanglement entropy under subsystem exchange, which we show in detail by computing the Page curve of a many-body system with SU(2)SU(2) symmetry.

Regularized entanglement entropy of electron-positron scattering with a witness photon

Regularized quantum information metrics are calculated for the scattering process e−e+→γ,Z→μ−μ+ that has a witness photon entangled with the initial electron-positron state. Unitarity implies the correct regularization of divergences that appear in both the final density matrix and von Neumann entanglement entropies. The entropies are found to quantify uncertainty or randomness. The variation of information, entanglement entropy, and correlation between the muon’s and witness photon’s helicities are found to convey equivalent information. The magnitude of the muon’s expected helicity rises (falls) as the helicity entropy falls (rises). Area, or the scattering cross section, is a source of entropy for the muon’s helicity entropy and momentum entropy. The muon’s differential angular entropy distribution is similar to the differential angular cross section distribution, capturing the forward-backward asymmetry at high center-of-mass energies. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Locally purified density operators for noisy quantum circuits

Abstract Simulating open quantum systems is essential for exploring novel quantum phenomena and evaluating noisy quantum circuits. In this Letter, we address the problem of whether mixed states generated from noisy quantum circuits can be efficiently represented by locally purified density operators (LPDOs). We map an LPDO of N qubits to a pure state of size 2 × N defined on a ladder and introduce a unified method for managing virtual and Kraus bonds. We numerically simulate noisy random quantum circuits with depths up to d = 40 using fidelity and entanglement entropy as accuracy measures. LPDO representation proves to be effective in describing mixed states in both quantum and classical regions but encounters significant challenges at the quantum-classical critical point, limiting its applicability to the quantum region exclusively. In contrast, the matrix product operator (MPO) successfully characterizes the entanglement trend throughout the simulation, while truncation in MPOs breaks the positivity condition required for a physical density matrix. This work advances our understanding of efficient mixed-state representation in open quantum systems and provides insights into the entanglement structure of noisy quantum circuits.

Quantum entanglement and non-Hermiticity in free-fermion systems

Abstract This topical review article reports rapid progress on the generalization and application of entanglement in non-Hermitian free-fermion quantum systems. We begin by examining the realization of non-Hermitian quantum systems through the Lindblad master equation, alongside a review of typical non-Hermitian free-fermion systems that exhibit unique features. A pedagogical discussion is provided on the relationship between entanglement quantities and the correlation matrix in Hermitian systems. Building on this foundation, we focus on how entanglement concepts are extended to non-Hermitian systems from their Hermitian free-fermion counterparts, with a review of the general properties that emerge. Finally, we highlight various concrete studies, demonstrating that entanglement entropy remains a powerful diagnostic tool for characterizing non-Hermitian physics. The entanglement spectrum also reflects the topological characteristics of non-Hermitian topological systems, while unique non-Hermitian entanglement behaviors are also discussed. The review is concluded with several future directions. Through this review, we hope to provide a useful guide for researchers who are interested in entanglement in non-Hermitian quantum systems.

Entanglement production through a cosmological bounce

In quantum cosmology, it is expected that the Big Bang singularity is resolved and the universe undergoes a bounce. We find that for Gaussian initial states, matter-gravity entanglement entropy rises rapidly during the bounce, declines, and then approaches a steady-state value following the bounce. These observations suggest that matter-gravity entanglement is a feature of the macroscopic universe and that there is no Second Law of entanglement entropy.

Transmission coefficient of super-Janus solution

We calculate the transmission coefficient of the super-Janus interface conformal field theory, both at weak and at strong coupling, where latter is described holographically as a domain-wall solution on AdS2 × S2 × M4 × Σ. Surprisingly we find perfect agreement between the free and strong coupling answer, mirroring a similar unexpected equivalence previously found for the entanglement entropy.

Exactly solvable non-unitary time evolution in quantum critical systems I: effect of complex spacetime metrics

Abstract In this series of works, we study exactly solvable non-unitary time evolutions in one-dimensional quantum critical systems ranging from quantum quenches to time-dependent drivings. In this part I, we are motivated by the recent works of Kontsevich and Segal (2021 arXiv:2105.10161) and Witten (2021 arXiv:2111.06514) on allowable complex spacetime metrics in quantum field theories. In general, such complex spacetime metrics will lead to non-unitary time evolutions. In this work, we study the universal features of such non-unitary time evolutions based on exactly solvable setups. Various physical quantities including the entanglement Hamiltonian and entanglement spectrum, entanglement entropy, and energy density at an arbitrary time can be exactly solved. Due to the damping effect introduced by the complex time, the excitations in the initial state are gradually damped out in time. The non-equilibrium dynamics exhibit universal features that are qualitatively different from the case of real-time evolutions. For instance, for an infinite system after a global quench, the entanglement entropy of the semi-infinite subsystem will grow logarithmically in time, in contrast to the linear growth in a real-time evolution. Moreover, we study numerically the time-dependent driven quantum critical systems with allowable complex spacetime metrics. It is found that the competition between driving and damping leads to a steady state with an interesting entanglement structure.

Confinement in the Transverse Field Ising Model on the Heavy Hex Lattice

Inspired by a recent quantum computing experiment [Y. Kim , ], we study the emergence of confinement in the transverse field Ising model on a decorated hexagonal lattice. Using an infinite tensor network state optimized with belief propagation we show how a quench from a broken symmetry state leads to striking nonthermal behavior underpinned by persistent oscillations and saturation of the entanglement entropy. We explain this phenomenon by constructing a minimal model based on the confinement of elementary excitations. Our model is in excellent agreement with our numerical results. For quenches to larger values of the transverse field and/or from nonsymmetry broken states, our numerical results display the expected signatures of thermalization: a linear growth of entanglement entropy in time, propagation of correlations, and the saturation of observables to their thermal averages. These results provide a physical explanation for the unexpected classical simulability of the quantum dynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Entanglement in ( 1+1 )-dimensional free scalar field theory: Tiptoeing between continuum and discrete formulations

We review some classic works on ground state entanglement entropy in (1+1)-dimensional free scalar field theory. We point out identifications between the methods for the calculation of entanglement entropy and we show how the formalism developed for the discretized theory can be utilized in order to obtain results in the continuous theory. We specify the entanglement spectrum and we calculate the entanglement entropy for the theory defined on an interval of finite length L. Finally, we derive the modular Hamiltonian directly, without using the modular flow, via the continuum limit of the expressions obtained in the discretized theory. In a specific coordinate system, the modular Hamiltonian assumes the form of a free field Hamiltonian on the Rindler wedge. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Classical entanglement and entropy

Motivated by recent discussions of entanglement in the context of high energy scattering, we consider the relation between the entanglement entropy of a highly excited state of a quantum system and the classical entanglement entropy of the corresponding classical system. We show on the example of two weakly coupled harmonic oscillators that the two entropies are equal. Quantum mechanically, the reduced density matrix which yields this entropy is close to the maximally entangled state. We thus observe that the nature of entanglement in this type of state is purely classical.

Precision tests of bulk entanglement entropy

We consider linear superpositions of single particle excitations in a scalar field theory on AdS3 and evaluate their contribution to the bulk entanglement entropy across the Ryu-Takayanagi surface. We compare the entanglement entropy of these excitations obtained using the Faulkner-Lewkowycz-Maldacena formula to the entanglement entropy of linear superposition of global descendants of a conformal primary in a large c CFT obtained using the replica trick. We show that the closed form expressions for the entanglement entropy in the small interval expansion both in gravity and the CFT precisely agree. The agreement serves as a non-trivial check of the FLM formula for the quantum corrections to holographic entanglement entropy as well as the methods developed in the CFT to evaluate entanglement entropy of descendants. Our checks includes an example in which the state is time dependent and spatially in-homogenous as well another example involving a coherent state with a Bañados geometry as its holographic dual.

Black hole singularity and timelike entanglement

We study timelike and conventional entanglement entropy as potential probes of black hole singularities via the AdS/CFT correspondence. Using an analytically tractable example, we find characteristic behavior of holographic timelike entanglement entropy when the geometry involves a curvature singularity. We also observe interesting phenomena that, in some particular setups, holographic timelike and conventional entanglement entropy are determined from multiple complex saddle points, which fall outside the assumptions of the Lewkowycz-Maldacena type argument.

Physical proof of the topological entanglement entropy inequality

Physical proof of the topological entanglement entropy inequality

Entanglement Entropy and Deconfined Criticality: Emergent SO(5) Symmetry and Proper Lattice Bipartition.

We study the Rényi entanglement entropy (EE) of the two-dimensional J-Q model, the emblematic quantum spin model of deconfined criticality at the phase transition between antiferromagnetic and valence-bond-solid ground states. State-of-the-art quantum MonteCarlo calculations of the EE reveal critical corner contributions that scale logarithmically with the system size, with a coefficient in remarkable agreement with the form expected from a large-N conformal field theory with SO(N=5) symmetry. However, details of the bipartition of the lattice are crucial in order to observe this behavior. If the subsystem for the reduced density matrix does not properly accommodate valence-bond fluctuations, logarithmic contributions appear even for cornerless bipartitions. We here use a 45° tilted cut on the square lattice. Beyond supporting an SO(5) deconfined quantum critical point, our results for both the regular and tilted cuts demonstrate important microscopic aspects of the EE that are not captured by conformal field theory.

Anomalies of average symmetries: entanglement and open quantum systems

Symmetries and their anomalies are powerful tools for understanding quantum systems. However, realistic systems are often subject to disorders, dissipation and decoherence. In many circumstances, symmetries are not exact but only on average. This work investigates the constraints on mixed states resulting from non-commuting average symmetries. We will focus on the cases where the commutation relations of the average symmetry generators are violated by nontrivial phases, and call such average symmetry anomalous. We show that anomalous average symmetry implies degeneracy in the density matrix eigenvalues, and present several lattice examples with average symmetries, including XY chain, Heisenberg chain, and deformed toric code models. In certain cases, the results can be further extended to reduced density matrices, leading to a new lower bound on the entanglement entropy. We discuss several applications in the contexts of many body localization, quantum channels, entanglement phase transitions and also derive new constraints on the Lindbladian evolution of open quantum systems.

Long-lived topological time-crystalline order on a quantum processor

Topologically ordered phases of matter elude Landau’s symmetry-breaking theory, featuring a variety of intriguing properties such as long-range entanglement and intrinsic robustness against local perturbations. Their extension to periodically driven systems gives rise to exotic new phenomena that are forbidden in thermal equilibrium. Here, we report the observation of signatures of such a phenomenon—a prethermal topologically ordered time crystal—with programmable superconducting qubits arranged on a square lattice. By periodically driving the superconducting qubits with a surface code Hamiltonian, we observe discrete time-translation symmetry breaking dynamics that is only manifested in the subharmonic temporal response of nonlocal logical operators. We further connect the observed dynamics to the underlying topological order by measuring a nonzero topological entanglement entropy and studying its subsequent dynamics. Our results demonstrate the potential to explore exotic topologically ordered nonequilibrium phases of matter with noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors.