Hilbert-space fragmentation, multifractality, and many-body localization

Abstract

Investigating many-body localization (MBL) using exact numerical methods is limited by the exponentialgrowth of the Hilbert space. However, localized eigenstates display multifractality and only extend over a vanishing fraction of the Hilbert space. Here, building on this remarkable property, we develop a simple yet efficient decimation scheme to discard the irrelevant parts of the Hilbert space of the random-field Heisenberg chain. This leads to an Hilbert space fragmentation in small clusters, allowing to access larger systems at strong disorder. The MBL transition is quantitatively predicted, together with a geometrical interpretation of MBL multifractality as a shattering of the Hilbert space.

Special Issue of the Annals of Physics, Localisation 2020, dedicated to Philip W. Anderson