Emergence of non-ergodic multifractal quantum states in geometrical fractals

Abstract

Eigenstate multifractality, a hallmark of non-interacting disordered metals, which may also be observed in many-body localized states, is characterized by anomalous slow dynamics and appears relevant for many areas of quantum physics, from measurement-driven systems to superconductivity. We propose a novel approach to achieve non-ergodic multifractal states (NEMs) without disorder by iteratively introducing defects into a crystal lattice, reshaping it from a plain structure into a fractal geometry. By comprehensive analysis of the Sierpiński gasket case, we find robust evidence of the emergence of NEMs that go beyond the conventional classification of quantum states and designate new pathways for quantum transport studies. We discuss potential experimental signatures of these states.

Minor changes; expanded supplemental material. 28 pages with 9 figures in the main text and 19 figures in the supplemental material