Gauge-theoretic origin of Rydberg quantum spin liquids

TL;DR

This paper reveals the gauge-theoretic mechanism behind Rydberg-induced topological quantum spin liquids, linking experimental models to solvable gauge theories and demonstrating their stability and realizability with Rydberg atoms.

Contribution

It establishes an exact relation between lattice gauge theories and blockaded models, clarifying the origin of topological spin liquids and proposing experimental realizations.

Findings

Deconfined phases are stable over broad parameter regions.

Ground states have high overlap with resonating valence bond states.

Models can be realized with Rydberg-dressed atoms.

Abstract

Recent atomic physics experiments and numerical works have reported complementary signatures of the emergence of a topological quantum spin liquid in models with blockade interactions. However, the specific mechanism stabilizing such a phase remains unclear. Here, we introduce an exact relation between an Ising-Higgs lattice gauge theory on the kagome lattice and blockaded models on Ruby lattices. This relation elucidates the origin of previously observed topological spin liquids by directly linking the latter to a deconfined phase of a solvable gauge theory. By means of exact diagonalization and unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the deconfined phases extend in a broad region of the parameter space; these states are characterized by a large ground state overlap with resonating valence bond wavefunctions. These blockaded models include both creation/annihilation and hopping dynamics, and can be experimentally realized with Rydberg-dressed atoms, offering novel and controllable platforms for the engineering and characterisation of spin liquid states.