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Exact strong zero modes in quantum circuits and spin chains with non-diagonal boundary conditions
by Sascha Gehrmann, Fabian H. L. Essler
Submission summary
| Authors (as registered SciPost users): | Fabian Essler · Sascha Gehrmann |
| Submission information | |
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| Preprint Link: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.05490v2 (pdf) |
| Date submitted: | Nov. 26, 2025, 5:09 p.m. |
| Submitted by: | Sascha Gehrmann |
| Submitted to: | SciPost Physics |
| Ontological classification | |
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| Academic field: | Physics |
| Specialties: |
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| Approach: | Theoretical |
Abstract
We construct exact strong zero mode operators (ESZM) in integrable quantum circuits and the spin-1/2 XXZ chain for general open boundary conditions, which break the bulk U(1) symmetry of the time evolution operators. We show that the ESZM is localized around one of the boundaries and induces infinite boundary coherence times. Finally, we prove that the ESZM becomes spatially non-local under the map that relates the spin-1/2 XXZ chain to the asymmetric simple exclusion process, which suggests that it does not play a significant role in the dynamics of the latter.
Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations
- Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
- Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
- Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
- Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block
Current status:
In refereeing