Free Scalar Theory Research Articles

Entanglement Renormalization for Quantum Field Theories with Discrete Wavelet Transforms

We propose an adaptation of Entanglement Renormalization for quantum field theories that, through the use of discrete wavelet transforms, strongly parallels the tensor network architecture of the Multiscale Entanglement Renormalization Ansatz (a.k.a. MERA). Our approach, called wMERA, has several advantages of over previous attempts to adapt MERA to continuum systems. In particular, (i) wMERA is formulated directly in position space, hence preserving the quasi-locality and sparsity of entanglers; and (ii) it enables a built-in RG flow in the implementation of real-time evolution and in computations of correlation functions, which is key for efficient numerical implementations. As examples, we describe in detail two concrete implementations of our wMERA algorithm for free scalar and fermionic theories in (1+1) spacetime dimensions. Possible avenues for constructing wMERAs for interacting field theories are also discussed.

Krylov complexity in Lifshitz-type scalar field theories

We investigate various aspects of the Lanczos coefficients in a family of free Lifshitz scalar theories, characterized by their integer dynamical exponent, at finite temperature. In this non-relativistic setup, we examine the effects of mass, finite ultraviolet cutoff, and finite lattice spacing on the behavior of the Lanczos coefficients. We also investigate the effect of the dynamical exponent on the asymptotic behavior of the Lanczos coefficients, which show a universal scaling behavior. We carefully examine how these results can affect different measures in Krylov space, including Krylov complexity and entropy. Remarkably, we find that our results are similar to those previously observed in the literature for relativistic theories.

Modular Hamiltonian of the scalar in the semi infinite line: dimensional reduction for spherically symmetric regions

We focus our attention on the one dimensional scalar theories that result from dimensionally reducing the free scalar field theory in arbitrary d dimensions. As is well known, after integrating out the angular coordinates, the free scalar theory can be expressed as an infinite sum of theories living in the semi-infinite line, labeled by the angular modes left{ell, overrightarrow{m}right} . We show that their modular Hamiltonian in an interval attached to the origin is, in turn, the one obtained from the dimensional reduction of the modular Hamiltonian of the conformal parent theory in a sphere. Remarkably, this is a local expression in the energy density, as happens in the conformal case, although the resulting one-dimensional theories are clearly not conformal. We support this result by analyzing the symmetries of these theories, which turn out to be a portion of the original conformal group, and proving that the reduced modular Hamiltonian is in fact the operator generating the modular flow in the interval. By studying the spectrum of these modular Hamiltonians, we also provide an analytic expression for the associated entanglement entropy. Finally, extending the radial regularization scheme originally introduced by Srednicki, we sum over the angular modes to successfully recover the conformal anomaly in the entropy logarithmic coefficient in even dimensions, as well as the universal constant F term in d = 3.

From locality to irregularity: introducing local quenches in massive scalar field theory

In this paper, we initiate the study of operator local quenches in non-conformal field theories. We consider the dynamics of excited local states in massive scalar field theory in an arbitrary spacetime dimension and generalize the well-known two-dimensional CFT results. We derive the energy density, U(1)-charge density and ϕ2(x)-condensate post-quench dynamics, and identify different regimes of their evolution depending on the values of the field mass and the quench regularization parameter. For local quenches in higher-dimensional free massless scalar theories, we reproduce the structure of the available holographic results. We also investigate the local quenches in massive scalar field theory on a cylinder and show that they cause an erratic and chaotic-like evolution of observables with a complicated localization/delocalization pattern.

Exploring non-invertible symmetries in free theories

Symmetries corresponding to local transformations of the fundamental fields that leave the action invariant give rise to (invertible) topological defects, which obey group-like fusion rules. One can construct more general (codimension-one) topological defects by specifying a map between gauge-invariant operators from one side of the defect and such operators on the other side. In this work, we apply such construction to Maxwell theory in four dimensions and to the free compact scalar theory in two dimensions. In the case of Maxwell theory, we show that a topological defect that mixes the field strength F and its Hodge dual ⋆F can be at most an SO(2) rotation. For rational values of the bulk coupling and the θ-angle we find an explicit defect Lagrangian that realizes values of the SO(2) angle φ such that cos φ is also rational. We further determine the action of such defects on Wilson and ’t Hooft lines and show that they are in general non-invertible. We repeat the analysis for the free compact scalar ϕ in two dimensions. In this case we find only four discrete maps: the trivial one, a ℤ2 map dϕ → −dϕ, a \U0001d4af-duality-like map dϕ → i ⋆ dϕ, and the product of the last two.

On Galilean conformal bootstrap. Part II. ξ = 0 sector

In this work, we continue our work on two dimensional Galilean conformal field theory (GCFT2). Our previous work (2011.11092) focused on the ξ ≠ 0 sector, here we investigate the more subtle ξ = 0 sector to complete the discussion. The case ξ = 0 is degenerate since there emerge interesting null states in a general ξ = 0 boost multiplet. We specify these null states and work out the resulting selection rules. Then, we compute the ξ = 0 global GCA blocks and find that they can be written as a linear combination of several building blocks, each of which can be obtained from a sl(2, ℝ) Casimir equation. These building blocks allow us to give an Euclidean inversion formula as well. As a consistency check, we study 4-point functions of certain vertex operators in the BMS free scalar theory. In this case, the ξ = 0 sector is the only allowable sector in the propagating channel. We find that the direct expansion of the 4-point function reproduces the global GCA block and is consistent with the inversion formula.

Tadpoles and vacuum bubbles in light-front quantization

We develop a method by which vacuum transitions may be included in light-front calculations. This allows tadpole contributions which are important for symmetry-breaking effects and yet are missing from standard light-front calculations. These transitions also dictate a nontrivial vacuum and contributions from vacuum bubbles to physical states. In nonperturbative calculations these separate classes of contributions (tadpoles and bubbles) cannot be filtered; instead, we regulate the bubbles and subtract the vacuum energy from the eigenenergy of physical states. The key is replacement of momentum-conserving delta functions with model functions of finite width; the width becomes the regulator and is removed after subtractions. The approach is illustrated in free scalar theory, in quenched scalar Yukawa theory, and in a limited Fock-space truncation of ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$ theory.

BMS-invariant free scalar model

The BMS (Bondi--van der Burg--Metzner--Sachs) symmetry arises as the asymptotic symmetry of flat spacetime at null infinity. In particular, the BMS algebra for three-dimensional flat spacetime (${\mathrm{BMS}}_{3}$) is generated by the super-rotation generators that form a Virasoro subalgebra with central charge ${c}_{L}$, together with mutually commuting super-translation generators. The super-rotation and supertranslation generators have nontrivial commutation relations with another central charge ${c}_{M}$. In this paper, we study a free scalar theory in two dimensions exhibiting ${\mathrm{BMS}}_{3}$ symmetry, which can also be understood as the ultrarelativistic limit of a free scalar ${\mathrm{CFT}}_{2}$ in the flipped representation. Upon canonical quantization on the highest weight vacuum, the central charges are found to be ${c}_{L}=2$ and ${c}_{M}=0$. Because of the vanishing central charge ${c}_{M}=0$, the theory features novel properties: there exist primary states which form a multiplet, and the Hilbert space can be organized by an enlarged version of BMS modules dubbed the staggered modules. We further calculate correlation functions and the torus partition function, the latter of which is also shown explicitly to be modular invariant. Is it interesting to note that our model has vanishing ${c}_{M}$, a feature also shared by the so-called flat space chiral gravity in Bagchi et al. [Flat-Space Chiral Gravity, Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 151301 (2012)].

Hyperbolic lattice for scalar field theory in AdS3

We construct a tessellation of ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{3}$, by extending the equilateral triangulation of ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{2}$ on the Poincar\'e disk based on the (2,3,7) triangle group, suitable for studying strongly coupled phenomena and the $\mathrm{AdS}/\mathrm{CFT}$ correspondence. A Hamiltonian form conducive to the study of dynamics and quantum computation is presented. We show agreement between lattice calculations and analytic results for the free scalar theory and find evidence of a second-order critical transition for ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$ theory using Monte Carlo simulations. Applications of this anti--de Sitter Hamiltonian formulation to real time evolution and quantum computing are discussed.

Logarithmic behaviour of connected correlation function in CFT

We study the (m)-type connected correlation functions of OPE blocks with respect to one spatial region in two dimensional conformal field theory. We find a logarithmic divergence for these correlation functions. We justify the logarithmic behaviour from two different approaches: massless free scalar theory and conformal block. Cutoff independent coefficients are obtained from analytic continuation of conformal blocks. A UV/IR relation has been found in the connected correlation functions. We could derive a formal “first law of thermodynamics” for a subsystem using the deformed reduced density matrix. An area law of the connected correlation function in higher dimensions is also discussed briefly.

Surface defect, anomalies and b-extremization

Quantum field theories (QFT) in the presence of defects exhibit new types of anomalies which play an important role in constraining the defect dynamics and defect renormalization group (RG) flows. Here we study surface defects and their anomalies in conformal field theories (CFT) of general spacetime dimensions. When the defect is conformal, it is characterized by a conformal b-anomaly analogous to the c-anomaly of 2d CFTs. The b-theorem states that b must monotonically decrease under defect RG flows and was proven by coupling to a spurious defect dilaton. We revisit the proof by deriving explicitly the dilaton effective action for defect RG flow in the free scalar theory. For conformal surface defects preserving mathcal{N} = (0, 2) supersymmetry, we prove a universal relation between the b-anomaly and the ’t Hooft anomaly for the U(1)r symmetry. We also establish the b-extremization principle that identifies the superconformal U(1)r symmetry from mathcal{N} = (0, 2) preserving RG flows. Together they provide a powerful tool to extract the b-anomaly of strongly coupled surface defects. To illustrate our method, we determine the b-anomalies for a number of surface defects in 3d, 4d and 6d SCFTs. We also comment on manifestations of these defect conformal and ’t Hooft anomalies in defect correlation functions.

On the Entanglement Entropy in Gaussian cMERA

AbstractThe continuous Multi Scale Entanglement Renormalization Anstaz (cMERA) consists of a variational method which carries out a real space renormalization scheme on the wavefunctionals of quantum field theories. In this work we calculate the entanglement entropy of the half space for a free scalar theory through a Gaussian cMERA circuit. We obtain the correct entropy written in terms of the optimized cMERA variational parameter, the local density of disentanglers. Accordingly, using the entanglement entropy production per unit scale, we study local areas in the bulk of the tensor network in terms of the differential entanglement generated along the cMERA flow. This result spurs us to establish an explicit relation between the cMERA variational parameter and the radial component of a dual AdS geometry through the Ryu‐Takayanagi formula. Finally, we argue that the entanglement entropy for the half space can be written as an integral along the renormalization scale whose measure is given by the Fisher information metric of the cMERA circuit. Consequently, a straightforward relation between AdS geometry and the Fisher information metric is also established.

Hamiltonian truncation in Anti-de Sitter spacetime

Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) in Anti-de Sitter (AdS) spacetime are often strongly coupled when the radius of AdS is large, and few methods are available to study them. In this work, we develop a Hamiltonian truncation method to compute the energy spectrum of QFTs in two-dimensional AdS. The infinite volume of constant timeslices of AdS leads to divergences in the energy levels. We propose a simple prescription to obtain finite physical energies and test it with numerical diagonalization in several models: the free massive scalar field, ϕ4 theory, Lee-Yang and Ising field theory. Along the way, we discuss spontaneous symmetry breaking in AdS and derive a compact formula for perturbation theory in quantum mechanics at arbitrary order. Our results suggest that all conformal boundary conditions for a given theory are connected via bulk renormalization group flows in AdS.

Higher-form symmetry breaking at Ising transitions

In recent years, new phases of matter that are beyond the Landau paradigm of symmetry breaking have been accumulating, and to catch up with this fast development, new notions of global symmetry are introduced. Among them, the higher-form symmetry, whose symmetry charges are spatially extended, can be used to describe topologically ordered phases as the spontaneous breaking of the symmetry, and consequently unify the unconventional and conventional phases under the same conceptual framework. However, such conceptual tools have not been put into quantitative tests except for certain solvable models, therefore limiting their usage in the more generic quantum many-body systems. In this work, we study ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ higher-form symmetry in a quantum Ising model, which is dual to the global (zero-form) Ising symmetry. We compute the expectation value of the Ising disorder operator, which is a nonlocal order parameter for the higher-form symmetry, analytically in free scalar theories and through unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations for the interacting fixed point in $(2+1)d$. From the scaling form of this extended object, we confirm that the higher-form symmetry is indeed spontaneously broken inside the paramagnetic, or quantum disordered phase (in the Landau sense), but remains symmetric in the ferromagnetic or ordered phase. At the Ising critical point, we find that the disorder operator also obeys a ``perimeter'' law scaling with possibly multiplicative power-law corrections. We discuss examples where both the global zero-form symmetry and the dual higher-form symmetry are preserved, in systems with a codimension-1 manifold of gapless points in momentum space. These results provide nontrivial working examples of higher-form symmetry operators, including the direct computation of one-form order parameter in an interacting conformal field theory, and open the avenue for their generic implementation in quantum many-body systems.

Free energy and defect C-theorem in free scalar theory

We describe conformal defects of p dimensions in a free scalar theory on a d-dimensional flat space as boundary conditions on the conformally flat space ℍp+1× \U0001d54ad−p−1. We classify two types of boundary conditions, Dirichlet type and Neumann type, on the boundary of the subspace ℍp+1 which correspond to the types of conformal defects in the free scalar theory. We find Dirichlet boundary conditions always exist while Neumann boundary conditions are allowed only for defects of lower codimensions. Our results match with a recent classification of the non-monodromy defects, showing Neumann boundary conditions are associated with non-trivial defects. We check this observation by calculating the difference of the free energies on ℍp+1× \U0001d54ad−p−1 between Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. We also examine the defect RG flows from Neumann to Dirichlet boundary conditions and provide more support for a conjectured C-theorem in defect CFTs.

Two point functions in defect CFTs

This paper is designed to be a practical tool for constructing and investigating two-point correlation functions in defect conformal field theory, directly in physical space, between any two bulk primaries or between a bulk primary and a defect primary, with arbitrary spin. Although geometrically elegant and ultimately a more powerful approach, the embedding space formalism gets rather cumbersome when dealing with mixed symmetry tensors, especially in the projection to physical space. The results in this paper provide an alternative method for studying two-point correlation functions for a generic d-dimensional conformal field theory with a flat p-dimensional defect and d − p = q co-dimensions. We tabulate some examples of correlation functions involving a conserved current, an energy momentum tensor and a Maxwell field strength, while analysing the constraints arising from conservation and the equations of motion. A method for obtaining bulk-to-defect correlators is also explained. Some explicit examples are considered: free scalar theory on ℝp× (ℝq/ℤ2) and a free four dimensional Maxwell theory on a wedge.

Weak cosmic censorship with self-interacting scalar and bound on charge to mass ratio

We study the model of four-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-Λ theory minimally coupled to a massive charged self-interacting scalar field, parameterized by the quartic and hexic couplings, labelled by λ and β, respectively. In the absence of scalar field, there is a class of counterexamples to cosmic censorship. Moreover, we investigate the full nonlinear solution with nonzero scalar field included, and argue that these counterexamples can be removed by assuming charged self-interacting scalar field with sufficiently large charge not lower than a certain bound. In particular, this bound on charge required to preserve cosmic censorship is no longer precisely the weak gravity bound for the free scalar theory. For the quartic coupling, for λ < 0 the bound is below the one for the free scalar fields, whereas for λ > 0 it is above. Meanwhile, for the hexic coupling the bound is always above the one for the free scalar fields, irrespective of the sign of β.

Pseudo-Entropy in Free Quantum Field Theories.

Pseudo-entropy is an interesting quantity with a simple gravity dual, which generalizes entanglement entropy such that it depends on both an initial and a final state. Here we reveal the basic properties of pseudo-entropy in quantum field theories by numerically calculating this quantity for a set of two-dimensional free-scalar field theories and the Ising spin chain. We extend the Gaussian method for pseudo-entropy in free-scalar theories with two parameters: mass m and dynamical exponent z. This computation finds two novel properties of pseudo-entropy which we conjecture to be universal in field theories, in addition to an area law behavior. One is a saturation behavior and the other one is nonpositivity of the difference between pseudo-entropy and averaged entanglement entropy. Moreover, our numerical results for the Ising chain imply that pseudo-entropy can play a role as a new quantum order parameter which detects whether two states are in the same quantum phase or not.

Dynamics of logarithmic negativity and mutual information in smooth quenches

Abstract We study the time evolution of mutual information (MI) and logarithmic negativity (LN) in two-dimensional free scalar theory with two kinds of time-dependent masses: one time evolves continuously from non-zero mass to zero; the other time evolves continuously from finite mass to finite mass, but becomes massless once during the time evolution. We call the former protocol ECP, and the latter protocol CCP. Through numerical computation, we find that the time evolution of MI and LN in ECP follows a quasi-particle picture except for their late-time evolution, whereas that in CCP oscillates. Moreover, we find a qualitative difference between MI and LN which has not been known so far: MI in ECP depends on the slowly moving modes, but LN does not.

Correlation function with the insertion of zero modes of modular Hamiltonians

Zero modes of modular Hamiltonian of one interval are found in momentum space for two dimensional massless free scalar theory. Finite correlators are extracted from separate region connected correlation functions with the insertion of zero modes. Correlators of (n, 1)-type are claimed to be conformal block up to a set of theory dependent constants. We fix the correlators of (2, 1)-type with the coefficients of three point function in 2d CFTs.