Gauge-Theoretic Origin of Rydberg Quantum Spin Liquids

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 wave functions. These blockaded models include both creation or annihilation and hopping dynamics, and can be experimentally realized with Rydberg-dressed atoms, offering novel and controllable platforms for the engineering and characterization of spin liquid states.

Automated summary

Recent experiments and numerical simulations have found complementary features of a topological quantum spin liquid, but the mechanism stabilizing this phase is still unclear. In this study, a relation between an Ising-Higgs lattice gauge theory and blockaded models is introduced, which explains the origin of previously observed topological spin liquids. Using exact diagonalization and unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations, it is shown that the deconfined phases exist in a broad parameter space and are characterized by a large ground state overlap with resonating valence bond wave functions.