How does a locally constrained quantum system localize?

Abstract

At low energy, the dynamics of excitations of many physical systems are locally constrained. Examples include frustrated anti-ferromagnets, fractional quantum Hall fluids and Rydberg atoms in the blockaded regime. Can such locally constrained systems be fully many-body localized (MBL)? In this article, we answer this question affirmatively and elucidate the structure of the accompanying quasi-local integrals of motion. By studying disordered spin chains subject to a projection constraint in the $z$-direction, we show that full MBL is stable at strong $z$-field disorder and identify a new mechanism of localization through resonance at strong transverse disorder. However MBL is not guaranteed; the constraints can `frustrate' the tendency of the spins to align with the transverse fields and lead to full thermalization or criticality. We further provide evidence that the transition is discontinuous in local observables with large sample-to-sample variations. Our study has direct consequences for current quench experiments in Rydberg atomic chains.

Shortened version with updated references; 4 pages, 7 figures

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