Quantum spin systems on infinite lattices. A concise introduction (Q528890)

In the study of quantum many-body systems, interactions typically have a local origin: have finite range or their strength decays sufficiently fast with a spatial distance between the involved system constituents, e.g., particles, spins \(1/2\), etc. It is of utmost importance to turn that inherent locality of the quantum dynamics (quantified in terms of local Hamiltonians) into its global signatures in the thermodynamic limit. That amounts to seeking for mathematical estimates which show an extent to which the dynamical behavior of a finite system may be tamed (kept under control), in the infinite-volume limit. The Lieb-Robison bound upon the propagation of (locally defined) correlations in the quantum many-body system have been proved to be an indispensable technical tool in the proof of the global existence of the dynamics. In fact, the Lieb-Robinson velocity notion has been introduced as an upper bound upon the speed of correlations clustering between suitable locally defined observables. The book, which arose from the lectures given by the author to a mathematical physics-oriented audience, is a concise (sometimes sketchy) introduction to methods of quantum physics and basic mathematical inventory (technical tools) appropriate for the study of infinite quantum spin \(1/2\) systems. That quantum spin lattice concept is a guiding thread and the reference point throughout the book. The necessity to bridge the gap between the standard education level of the audience (analysis, topology and functional analysis are considered as prerequisites, together with the basic knowledge of quantum mechanics), and demands on an intended rigorous treatment of infinite quantum spin systems within the \(C^*\)-algebra approach, have resulted in two preparatory chapters that take more than half of the volume of the book. Chapter 2 on operator algebras combines the standard functional analysis with elements of algebraic quantum theory, culminating in notions of the state space of a \(C^*\)-algebra, inequivalent representations, GNS construction. Chapter 3 addresses directly the infinite spin systems, where the existence of dynamics, while passing from a finite system to a thermodynamic limit, is discussed. Ground states and thermal states (KMS theorem) are described briefly. The Kitaev model (named here the toric code, in the current literature often interpreted as a model for quantum memories) is discussed as an exemplary case to test the introduced techniques and concepts. The remaining part of the book is devoted to the description of Lieb-Robionson proper bounds (derivation, direct usage for the existence proof of the globally defined dynamics, an issue of the exponential decay of correlations). Next, the local quantum field theory methods are outlined, to give a glimpse of continuous model systems. The superselection theory of the toric code, with fusion rules and the concept of braiding, are introduced. In the last chapter, some applications of the Lieb-Robinson bounds are outlined in the context of scattering theory (Lieb-Robinson velocity concept) and in the study of topologically ordered phases of ground states, of which the toric code is an example (a concept of automorphic equivalence of ground states). As stated by the author, a number of theorems and lemmas are presented rigorously, as mathematical facts, albeit without explicit proofs. Some of the excercises are supposed to give hints towards the proofs. Each chapter is concluded with a list of references which actually appear to be vitally important for a deeper appreciation of why the Lieb-Robinson bounds are useful in the quantum many-body physics. The book, as it stands, is indeed a fairly concise introduction (in applicatory chapters actually seems to be too brief) that provides a background and pointers for the reader, to start on his/her own the exploration of the recent literature on the operator algebra approach to quantum many-body systems.