Entanglement entropy for scale-invariant states: universal finite-size scaling

TL;DR

This paper develops a universal finite-size scaling analysis for entanglement entropy in scale-invariant, non-conformally invariant quantum states arising from spontaneous symmetry breaking, confirmed across multiple models.

Contribution

It introduces a universal scaling form for entanglement entropy in certain scale-invariant states, expanding understanding beyond conformal invariance in quantum many-body systems.

Findings

Universal finite-size scaling form derived for entanglement entropy.

Confirmed scaling form in multiple exactly solvable models.

Classification scheme proposed for different types of scale-invariant states.

Abstract

A universal finite system-size scaling analysis of the entanglement entropy is presented for highly degenerate ground states arising from spontaneous symmetry breaking with type-B Goldstone modes in exactly solvable one-dimensional quantum many-body systems. These states appear to be scale-invariant, but not conformally invariant. Our findings are based on a physical argument, imposing three constraints on the entanglement entropy, in addition to further confirmation from an asymptotic analysis of the entanglement entropy for the ${\rm SU}(2)$ spin-$1/2$ ferromagnetic states. The resulting universal scaling form is demonstrated for three fundamental models -- the ${\rm SU}(2)$ spin-$s$ Heisenberg ferromagnetic model, the ${\rm SU}(N+1)$ ferromagnetic model, and the staggered ${\rm SU}(3)$ spin-1 ferromagnetic biquadratic model. The results point towards a classification for distinct types of scale-invariant states, relevant to a complete classification of quantum states of matter.