SU(2) gauge theory in $2+1$ dimensions on a plaquette chain obeys the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis

Journal Article · 18 August 2023 · Physical Review. D.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.108.l031504 · OSTI ID:1995834

Yao, Xiaojun  ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)

We test the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) for 2+1 dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory. By considering the theory on a chain of plaquettes and truncating basis states for link variables at j = 1/2, we can map it onto a quantum spin chain with local interactions and numerically exactly diagonalize the Hamiltonian for reasonably large lattice sizes. We find energy level repulsion in momentum sectors with no remaining discrete symmetry. We study two local observables made up of Wilson loops and calculate their matrix elements in the energy eigenbasis, which are shown consistent with the ETH.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Nuclear Physics (NP)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0020970
• OSTI ID: 1995834
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 2259236
• Report Number(s): IQuS@UW-21-047; TRN: US2407731
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D., Vol. 108, Issue 3; ISSN 2470-0010
• Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English