Thermalization of Gauge Theories from their Entanglement Spectrum

Using dual theories embedded into a larger unphysical Hilbert space along entanglement cuts, we study the entanglement structure of Z(2) lattice gauge theory in (2 + 1) spacetime dimensions. We demonstrate Li and Haldane's conjecture, and show consistency of the entanglement Hamiltonian with the BisognanoWichmann theorem. Studying nonequilibrium dynamics after a quench, we provide an extensive description of thermalization in Z(2) gauge theory which proceeds in a characteristic sequence: Maximization of the Schmidt rank and spreading of level repulsion at early times, self-similar evolution with scaling coefficients alpha = 0.8 +/- 0.2 and beta = 0.0 +/- 0.1 at intermediate times, and finally thermal saturation of the von Neumann entropy.

Automated summary

This article studies the entanglement structure and thermalization process of Z(2) lattice gauge theory. By using dual theories and nonequilibrium dynamics, the authors identify a characteristic sequence.