Subsystem Symmetry Fractionalization and Foliated Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores new types of subsystem symmetry fractionalization in topological quantum matter, using foliation-dependent higher-form symmetries to develop novel field theories and lattice models with exotic fractionalization phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for subsystem symmetry fractionalization via embedding into higher-form symmetries, expanding the understanding of topological phases with subsystem symmetries.

Findings

New types of symmetry fractionalization described by foliation-dependent higher-form symmetries

Development of field theories supporting anomalous subsystem symmetry fractionalization

Construction of lattice models exhibiting previously unseen fractionalization phenomena

Abstract

Topological quantum matter exhibits a range of exotic phenomena when enriched by subdimensional symmetries. This includes new features beyond those that appear in the conventional setting of global symmetry enrichment. A recently discovered example is a type of subsystem symmetry fractionalization that occurs through a different mechanism to global symmetry fractionalization. In this work we extend the study of subsystem symmetry fractionalization through new examples derived from the general principle of embedding subsystem symmetry into higher-form symmetry. This leads to new types of symmetry fractionalization that are described by foliation dependent higher-form symmetries. This leads to field theories and lattice models that support previously unseen anomalous subsystem symmetry fractionalization. Our work expands the range of exotic topological physics that is enabled by subsystem symmetry in field theory and on the lattice.