Permutation symmetry in large-N matrix quantum mechanics and partition algebras

We describe the implications of permutation symmetry for the state space and dynamics of quantum mechanical systems of matrices of general size N. We solve the general 11-parameter permutation invariant quantum matrix harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian and calculate the canonical partition function. The permutation invariant sector of the Hilbert space, for general Hamiltonians, can be described using partition algebra diagrams forming the bases of a tower of partition algebras P-k(N). The integer k is interpreted as the degree of matrix oscillator polynomials in the quantum mechanics. Families of interacting Hamiltonians are described which are diagonalized by a representation theoretic basis for the permutation invariant subspace which we construct for N >= 2k. These include Hamiltonians for which the low-energy states are permutation invariant and can give rise to large ground state degeneracies related to the dimensions of partition algebras. A symmetry-based mechanism for quantum many body scars discussed in the literature can be realized in these matrix systems with permutation symmetry. A mapping of the matrix index values to lattice sites allows a realization of the mechanism in the context of modified Bose-Hubbard models. Extremal correlators analogous to those studied in AdS/CFT are shown to obey selection rules based on Clebsch-Gordan multiplicites (Kronecker coefficients) of symmetric groups.

Automated summary

This article discusses the implications of permutation symmetry on the state space and dynamics of quantum mechanical systems of matrices of general size N, solving a corresponding Hamiltonian and calculating partition function. It describes how the permutation invariant sector of the Hilbert space can be represented using partition algebra diagrams, with the integer k interpreted as the degree of matrix oscillator polynomials. Families of interacting Hamiltonians diagonalized by a representation theoretic basis for the permutation invariant subspace are also explored.