Parity quantum numbers in the Density Matrix Renormalization Group

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new parity DMRG algorithm enabling the Level Spectroscopy method to identify quantum critical points in large one-dimensional systems, successfully locating BKT and Gaussian transitions and supporting Oshikawa's conjecture.

Contribution

A novel parity DMRG algorithm that allows Level Spectroscopy to analyze large systems with parity quantum numbers for the first time.

Findings

Successfully located BKT and Gaussian critical points.

First DMRG support for Oshikawa's conjecture.

Enhanced ability to study quantum phase transitions.

Abstract

In strongly correlated systems, numerical algorithms taking parity quantum numbers into account are used not only for accelerating computation by reducing the Hilbert space but also for particular manipulations such as the Level Spectroscopy (LS) method. By comparing energy difference between different parity quantum numbers, the LS method is a crucial technique used in identifying quantum critical points of Gaussian and Berezinsky-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) type quantum phase transitions. These transitions that occur in many one-dimensional systems are usually difficult to study numerically. Although the LS method is an effective strategy to locate critical points, it has been lacked an algorithm that can manage large systems with parity quantum numbers. Here a new parity Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) algorithm is discussed. The LS method is the first time performed by DMRG in the S=2 XXZ spin chain with uniaxial anisotropy. Quantum critical points of BKT and Gaussian transitions can be located well. Thus, the LS method becomes a very powerful tool for BKT and Gaussian transitions. In addition, Oshikawa's conjecture in 1992 on the presence of an intermediate phase in the present model is the first time supported by DMRG.