Publications

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Instanton density operator in lattice QCD from higher category theory

Jing-Yuan Chen

SciPost Phys. 19, 158 (2025) · published 17 December 2025 | · pdf

A natural definition for instanton density operator in lattice QCD has long been desired. We show this problem is, and has to be, solved by higher category theory. The problem is solved by refining at a conceptual level the Yang-Mills theory on lattice, in order to recover the homotopy information in the continuum, which would have been lost if we put the theory on lattice in the traditional way. The refinement needed is a generalization—through the lens of higher category theory—of the familiar process of Villainization that captures winding in lattice XY model and Dirac quantization in lattice Maxwell theory. The apparent difference is that Villainization is in the end described by principal bundles, hence familiar, but more general topological operators can only be captured on the lattice by more flexible structures beyond the usual group theory and fibre bundles, making the language of categories natural and necessary. The key structure we need for our particular problem is called multiplicative bundle gerbe, based upon which we can construct suitable structures to naturally define the 2d Wess-Zumino-Witten term, 3d skyrmion density operator and 4d hedgehog defect for lattice $S^3$ (pion vacua) non-linear sigma model, and the 3d Chern-Simons term, 4d instanton density operator and 5d Yang monopole defect for lattice $SU(N)$ Yang-Mills theory; moreover, the structures behind the non-linear sigma model and the Yang-Mills theory are related via an implicit Yang-Baxter equation. In a broader perspective, higher category theory enables us to rethink more systematically the relation between continuum quantum field theory and lattice quantum field theory. We sketch a proposal towards a general machinery that constructs the suitably refined lattice degrees of freedom for a given non-linear sigma model or gauge theory in the continuum, realizing the desired topological operators on the lattice.
Dualities between 2+1d fusion surface models from braided fusion categories

Luisa Eck

SciPost Phys. 19, 157 (2025) · published 17 December 2025 | · pdf

Fusion surface models generalize the concept of anyon chains to 2+1 dimensions, utilizing fusion 2-categories as their input. We investigate bond-algebraic dualities in these systems and show that distinct module tensor categories $\mathcal{M}$ over the same braided fusion category $\mathcal{B}$ give rise to dual lattice models. This extends the 1+1d result that dualities in anyon chains are classified by module categories over fusion categories. We analyze two concrete examples: (i) a $\text{Rep}(S_3)$ model with a constrained Hilbert space, dual to the spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}$ XXZ model on the honeycomb lattice, and (ii) a bilayer Kitaev honeycomb model, dual to a spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}$ model with XXZ and Ising interactions. Unlike regular $\mathcal{M}=\mathcal{B}$ fusion surface models, which conserve only 1-form symmetries, models constructed from $\mathcal{M} ≠ \mathcal{B}$ can exhibit both 1-form and 0-form symmetries, including non-invertible ones.
Von Neumann subfactors and non-invertible symmetries

Xingyang Yu, Hao Y. Zhang

SciPost Phys. 19, 154 (2025) · published 15 December 2025 | · pdf

We use the language of von Neumann subfactors to investigate non-invertible symmetries in two dimensions. A fusion categorical symmetry $\mathcal{C}$, its module category $\mathcal{M}$, and a gauging labeled by an algebra object $\mathcal{A}$ are encoded in the bipartite principal graph of a subfactor. The dual principal graph captures the quantum symmetry $\mathcal{C}'$ obtained by gauging $\mathcal{A}$ in $\mathcal{C}$, as well as a reverse gauging back to $\mathcal{C}$. From a given subfactor $N \subset M$, we derive a quiver diagram that encodes the representations of the associated non-invertible symmetry. We show how this framework provides necessary conditions for admissible gaugings, enabling the construction of generalized orbifold groupoids. To illustrate this strategy, we present three examples: Rep$(D_4)$ as a warm-up, the higher-multiplicity case Rep$(A_4)$ with its associated generalized orbifold groupoid and triality symmetry, and Rep$(A_5)$, where $A_5$ is the smallest non-solvable finite group. For applications to gapless systems, we embed these generalized gaugings as global manipulations on the conformal manifolds of $c=1$ CFTs and uncover new self-dualities in the exceptional $SU(2)_1/A_5$ theory. For $\mathcal{C}$-symmetric TQFTs, we use the subfactor-derived quiver diagrams to characterize gapped phases, describe their vacuum structure, and classify the recently proposed particle-soliton degeneracies.
A correspondence between the Rabi model and an Ising model with long-range interactions

Bruno Scheihing-Hitschfeld, Néstor Sepúlveda

SciPost Phys. 19, 153 (2025) · published 15 December 2025 | · pdf

By means of Trotter's formula, we show that transition amplitudes between a class of generalized coherent states in the Rabi model can be understood in terms of a certain Ising model featuring long-range interactions beyond nearest neighbors in its thermodynamic limit. Specifically, we relate the transition amplitudes in the Rabi model to a sum over binary variables of the form of a partition function of an Ising model with a number of spin sites equal to the number of steps in Trotter's formula applied to the real-time evolution of the Rabi model. From this, we show that a perturbative expansion in the energy splitting of the two-level subsystem in the Rabi model is equivalent to an expansion in the number of spin domains in the Ising model. We conclude by discussing how calculations in one model give nontrivial information about the other model, and vice versa, as well as applications and generalizations this correspondence may find.
Algebraic law of local correlations in a driven Rydberg atomic system

Xin Wang, XiaoFeng Wu, Bo Yang, Bo Zhang, Bo Xiong

SciPost Phys. 19, 152 (2025) · published 11 December 2025 | · pdf

Understanding the mechanism behind the buildup of inner correlations is crucial for studying nonequilibrium dynamics in complex, strongly interacting many-body systems. Here we investigate both analytically and numerically the buildup of antiferromagnetic (AF) correlations in a dynamically tuned Ising model with various geometries, realized in a Rydberg atomic system. Through second-order Magnus expansion (ME), we demonstrate quantitative agreement with numerical simulations for diverse configurations including $2 × n$ lattice and cyclic lattice with a star. We find that the AF correlation magnitude at fixed Manhattan distance obeys a universal superposition principle: It corresponds to the algebraic sum of contributions from all shortest paths. This superposition law remains robust against variations in path equivalence, lattice geometries, and quench protocols, establishing a new paradigm for correlation propagation in quantum simulators.
Doping lattice non-Abelian quantum Hall states

Zhengyan Darius Shi, Carolyn Zhang, Senthil Todadri

SciPost Phys. 19, 150 (2025) · published 9 December 2025 | · pdf

We study quantum phases of a fluid of mobile charged non-Abelian anyons, which arise upon doping the lattice Moore-Read quantum Hall state at lattice filling $\nu = 1/2$ and its generalizations to the Read-Rezayi ($RR_k$) sequence at $\nu = k/(k+2)$. In contrast to their Abelian counterparts, non-Abelian anyons present unique challenges due to their non-invertible fusion rules and non-Abelian braiding structures. We address these challenges using a Chern-Simons-Ginzburg-Landau (CSGL) framework that incorporates the crucial effect of energy splitting between different anyon fusion channels at nonzero dopant density. For the Moore-Read state, we show that doping the charge $e/4$ non-abelion naturally leads to a fully gapped charge-$2$ superconductor without any coexisting topological order. The chiral central charge of the superconductor depends on details of the interactions determining the splitting of anyon fusion channels. For general $RR_k$ states, our analysis of states obtained by doping the basic non-abelion $a_0$ with charge $e/(k+2)$ reveals a striking even/odd pattern in the Read-Rezayi index $k$. We develop a general physical picture for anyon-driven superconductivity based on charge-flux unbinding, and show how it relates to the CSGL description of doped Abelian quantum Hall states. Finally, as a bonus, we use the CSGL formalism to describe transitions between the $RR_k$ state and a trivial period-$(k+2)$ CDW insulator at fixed filling, driven by the gap closure of the fundamental non-Abelian anyon $a_0$. Notably, for $k=2$, this predicts a period-4 CDW neighboring the Moore-Read state at half-filling, offering a potential explanation of recent numerical observations in models of twisted MoTe$_2$.
All fractional Shapiro steps in the RSJ model with two Josephson harmonics

Pavel N. Tsarev, Yakov V. Fominov

SciPost Phys. 19, 148 (2025) · published 8 December 2025 | · pdf

Synchronization between the internal dynamics of the superconducting phase in a Josephson junction (JJ) and an external ac signal is a fundamental physical phenomenon, manifesting as constant-voltage Shapiro steps in the current-voltage characteristic. Mathematically, this phase-locking effect is captured by the Resistively Shunted Junction (RSJ) model, an important example of a nonlinear dynamical system. The standard RSJ model considers an overdamped JJ with a sinusoidal (single-harmonic) current-phase relation (CPR) in the current-driven regime with a monochromatic ac component. While this model predicts only integer Shapiro steps, the inclusion of higher Josephson harmonics is known to generate fractional Shapiro steps. In this paper, we show that only two Josephson harmonics in the CPR are sufficient to produce all possible fractional Shapiro steps within the RSJ framework. Using perturbative methods, we analyze the amplitudes of these fractional steps. Furthermore, by introducing a phase shift between the two Josephson harmonics, we reveal an asymmetry between positive and negative fractional steps—a signature of the Josephson diode effect.
Tunable quantum transport in flux-driven designer rings: Role of hopping dimerization, electron filling, and phase architecture

Souvik Roy, Ranjini Bhattacharya

SciPost Phys. Core 8, 090 (2025) · published 8 December 2025 | · pdf

We explore quantum transport in a one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) ring threaded by an Aharonov-Bohm flux, incorporating a quasiperiodic site potential based on a generalized cosine modulation with both primary and secondary components. Focusing on spinful, non-interacting electrons, we analyze persistent current behavior across a broad range of filling factors, Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) phase shifts, and hopping dimerizations. Our results uncover a rich interplay of localization-delocalization transitions, driven by the secondary modulation strength, leading to highly tunable and non-monotonic transport signatures. Persistent current is markedly enhanced near the symmetric hopping regime, where quantum interference dominates. In spin-imbalanced configurations, we identify regimes exhibiting pure spin current without net charge flow, suggesting potential for dissipationless spintronic functionalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study to examine quantum transport in such a flux-threaded SSH ring with dual-component quasiperiodic modulations, unifying re-entrant localization, spin-current generation, current stabilization, and phase-selective control. The inverse and normalized participation ratios, together with the state-resolved current, reveal the interplay between eigenstate localization and transport, providing insight into the microscopic mechanisms underlying current suppression and enhancement. For completeness, we also present the system-size dependence of the current. These findings position the quasiperiodic SSH ring as a versatile platform for realizing controllable quantum interference and spin-resolved transport in low-dimensional systems.
Generalized symmetry enriched criticality in (3+1)d

Benjamin Moy

SciPost Phys. 19, 145 (2025) · published 3 December 2025 | · pdf

We construct two classes of continuous phase transitions in 3+1 dimensions between gapped phases that break distinct generalized global symmetries. Our analysis focuses on $SU(N)/\mathbb{Z}_N$ gauge theory coupled to $N_f$ flavors of Majorana fermions in the adjoint representation. For $N$ even and sufficiently large odd $N_f$, upon imposing time-reversal symmetry and an $SO(N_f)$ flavor symmetry, the massless theory realizes a quantum critical point between a gapped phase in which a $\mathbb{Z}_N$ one-form symmetry is completely broken and a phase where it is broken to $\mathbb{Z}_2$, leading to $\mathbb{Z}_{N/2}$ topological order. We characterize the possible patterns of symmetry fractionalization in these phases and provide an explicit lattice model that exhibits the transition. The critical point has an enhanced symmetry, which includes non-invertible analogues of time-reversal symmetry. Enforcing a non-invertible time-reversal symmetry and the $SO(N_f)$ flavor symmetry, for $N$ and $N_f$ both odd, we demonstrate that this critical point can appear between a topologically ordered phase and a phase that spontaneously breaks the non-invertible time-reversal symmetry, furnishing an analogue of deconfined quantum criticality for generalized symmetries.
Impurity effect and vortex cluster phase in mesoscopic type-1.5 superconductors

Tian-Yi Han, Guo Wang, Jie Li, Hai Huang

SciPost Phys. 19, 140 (2025) · published 28 November 2025 | · pdf

Based on two-band time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory, we study the electromagnetic properties of two-band mesoscopic superconductors. We perform the numerical simulations with the finite element method, and determine the minimum sample size $L_c$ for the existence of the type-1.5 superconductivity from the obtained phase diagram in the absence of impurity. Meanwhile in the presence of an isotropic impurity, our numerical results reveal that the vortex cluster state induced by the attractive defect potential will gradually appear in the mesoscopic system with the sample size $L < L_c$, and the critical defect strength is about 0.2 in the $T_c$ disorder model. In addition, we also investigate the effect of anisotropic defect structures and multiple correlated disorders on the patterns of magnetic vortex distributions. Our theoretical study thus indicates that the diversity of impurity depositions has a significant influence on the semi-Meissner state in mesoscopic type-1.5 superconductors.

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