Emergent ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ gauge theories and topological excitations in Rydberg atom arrays

Abstract

Strongly interacting arrays of Rydberg atoms provide versatile platforms for exploring exotic many-body phases and dynamics of correlated quantum systems. Motivated by recent experimental advances, we show that the combination of Rydberg interactions and appropriate lattice geometries naturally leads to emergent ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ gauge theories endowed with matter fields. Based on this mapping, we describe how Rydberg platforms could realize two distinct classes of topological ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ quantum spin liquids, which differ in their patterns of translational symmetry fractionalization. We also discuss the natures of the fractionalized excitations of these ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ spin liquid states using both fermionic and bosonic parton theories, and illustrate their rich interplay with proximate solid phases.

6+14 pages, 4+6 figures