Skip to main content

Localization-protected quantum order

Author(s): Huse, David A; Nandkishore, Rahul; Oganesyan, Vadim; Pal, Arijeet; Sondhi, SL

Download
To refer to this page use: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/pr1b61v
Abstract: Closed quantum systems with quenched randomness exhibit many-body localized regimes wherein they do not equilibrate, even though prepared with macroscopic amounts of energy above their ground states. We show that such localized systems can order, in that individual many-body eigenstates can break symmetries or display topological order in the infinite-volume limit. Indeed, isolated localized quantum systems can order even at energy densities where the corresponding thermally equilibrated system is disordered, i.e., localization protects order. In addition, localized systems can move between ordered and disordered localized phases via nonthermodynamic transitions in the properties of the many-body eigenstates. We give evidence that such transitions may proceed via localized critical points. We note that localization provides protection against decoherence that may allow experimental manipulation of macroscopic quantum states. We also identify a “spectral transition” involving a sharp change in the spectral statistics of the many-body Hamiltonian.
Publication Date: Jul-2013
Electronic Publication Date: 22-Jul-2013
Citation: Huse, David A, Nandkishore, Rahul, Oganesyan, Vadim, Pal, Arijeet, Sondhi, SL. (2013). Localization-protected quantum order. Physical Review B, 88 (1), 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.014206
DOI: doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.88.014206
ISSN: 1098-0121
EISSN: 1550-235X
Type of Material: Journal Article
Journal/Proceeding Title: Physical Review B
Version: Author's manuscript



Items in OAR@Princeton are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.