Synthetic U(1) gauge invariance in a spin-1 Bose gas

Recent experimental realizations of the U(1) gauge invariance [Nature (London) 587, 392 (2020); Science 367, 1128 (2020)] open a door for quantum simulation of elementary particles and their interactions using ultracold atoms. Stimulated by such exciting progress, we propose a platform-a spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate-to simulate the deconfined lattice Schwinger model. Unlike previous platforms, it is shown that the atomic interactions in the spin-1 condensate naturally lead to a matter-field interaction term which respects the U(1) gauge symmetry. As a result, a new Z3-ordered phase with threefold ground-state degeneracy emerges in the phase diagram. The Z3 phase connects to the disordered phase by a three-state Potts criticality, which is in contrast to the conventional Coleman's transition with Ising criticality. Furthermore, the ordered state is constructed by a set of weak quantum scars, which is responsible for the anomalously slow dynamics as it is quenched to a special point in the phase diagram. Our proposal provides a platform for extracting emergent physics in synthetic gauge systems with matter-field interactions.

Automated summary

Recent experimental progress has allowed for the simulation of elementary particles and their interactions using ultracold atoms. In this paper, the authors propose a platform for simulating the deconfined lattice Schwinger model using a spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate. Unlike previous platforms, the atomic interactions in this spin-1 condensate naturally lead to a matter-field interaction term that respects U(1) gauge symmetry. This platform provides a way to extract emergent physics in synthetic gauge systems with matter-field interactions.