Subfactors and quantum information theory

We consider quantum information tasks in an operator algebraic setting, where we consider normal states on von Neumann algebras. In particular, we consider subfactors $\mathfrak{N} \subset \mathfrak{M}$, that is, unital inclusions of von Neumann algebras with trivial center. One can ask the following question: given a normal state $\omega$ on $\mathfrak{M}$, how much can one learn by only doing measurements from $\mathfrak{N}$? We argue how the Jones index $[\mathfrak{M}:\mathfrak{N}]$ can be used to give a quantitative answer to this, showing how the rich theory of subfactors can be used in a quantum information context. As an example we discuss how the Jones index can be used in the context of wiretap channels. Subfactors also occur naturally in physics. Here we discuss two examples: rational conformal field theories and Kitaev's toric code on the plane, a prototypical example of a topologically ordered model. There we can directly relate aspects of the general setting to physical properties such as the quantum dimension of the excitations. In the example of the toric code we also show how we can calculate the index via an approximation with finite dimensional systems. This explicit construction sheds more light on the connection between topological order and the Jones index.Comment: v2: added more background material, some corrections and clarifications. 23 pages, submitted to QMath 13 (Atlanta, GA) proceeding

Quantum spin systems on infinite lattices

This is an extended and corrected version of lecture notes originally written for a one semester course at Leibniz University Hannover. The main aim of the notes is to give an introduction to the mathematical methods used in describing discrete quantum systems consisting of infinitely many sites. Such systems can be used, for example, to model the materials in condensed matter physics. The notes provide the necessary background material to access recent literature in the field. Some of these recent results are also discussed. The contents are roughly as follows: (1) quick recap of essentials from functional analysis, (2) introduction to operator algebra, (3) algebraic quantum mechanics, (4) infinite systems (quasilocal algebra), (5) KMS and ground states, (6) Lieb-Robinson bounds, (7) algebraic quantum field theory, (8) superselection sectors of the toric code, (9) Haag-Ruelle scattering theory in spin systems, (10) applications to gapped phases. The level is aimed at students who have at least had some exposure to (functional) analysis and have a certain mathematical "maturity".Comment: To be published in Lecture Notes in Physics (Springer). v2: extended and corrected. 157 page

The complete set of infinite volume ground states for Kitaev's abelian quantum double models

We study the set of infinite volume ground states of Kitaev's quantum double model on $\mathbb{Z}^2$ for an arbitrary finite abelian group $G$. It is known that these models have a unique frustration-free ground state. Here we drop the requirement of frustration freeness, and classify the full set of ground states. We show that the ground state space decomposes into $|G|^2$ different charged sectors, corresponding to the different types of abelian anyons (also known as superselection sectors). In particular, all pure ground states are equivalent to ground states that can be interpreted as describing a single excitation. Our proof proceeds by showing that each ground state can be obtained as the weak$^*$ limit of finite volume ground states of the quantum double model with suitable boundary terms. The boundary terms allow for states which represent a pair of excitations, with one excitation in the bulk and one pinned to the boundary, to be included in the ground state space.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures. v2: minor corrections, some simplifications and clarificactions adde

Lieb-Robinson bounds, Arveson spectrum and Haag-Ruelle scattering theory for gapped quantum spin systems

We consider translation invariant gapped quantum spin systems satisfying the Lieb-Robinson bound and containing single-particle states in a ground state representation. Following the Haag-Ruelle approach from relativistic quantum field theory, we construct states describing collisions of several particles, and define the corresponding $S$-matrix. We also obtain some general restrictions on the shape of the energy-momentum spectrum. For the purpose of our analysis we adapt the concepts of almost local observables and energy-momentum transfer (or Arveson spectrum) from relativistic QFT to the lattice setting. The Lieb-Robinson bound, which is the crucial substitute of strict locality from relativistic QFT, underlies all our constructions. Our results hold, in particular, in the Ising model in strong transverse magnetic fields

Haag duality for Kitaev's quantum double model for abelian groups

We prove Haag duality for conelike regions in the ground state representation corresponding to the translational invariant ground state of Kitaev's quantum double model for finite abelian groups. This property says that if an observable commutes with all observables localised outside the cone region, it actually is an element of the von Neumann algebra generated by the local observables inside the cone. This strengthens locality, which says that observables localised in disjoint regions commute.As an application we consider the superselection structure of the quantum double model for abelian groups on an infinite lattice in the spirit of the Doplicher-Haag-Roberts program in algebraic quantum field theory. We find that, as is the case for the toric code model on an infinite lattice, the superselection structure is given by the category of irreducible representations of the quantum double

Operator Algebras and Data Hiding in Topologically Ordered Systems

Presented at the QMath13 Conference: Mathematical Results in Quantum Theory, October 8-11, 2016 at the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, Georgia Tech.New Mathematical Topics Arising in Current Theoretical Physics - Sunday, October 9th, 2016, Skiles 202 - Chair: Robert Seiringe

On the stability of charges in infinite quantum spin systems

We consider a theory of superselection sectors for infinite quantum spin systems, describing charges that can be approximately localized in cone-like regions. The primary examples we have in mind are the anyons (or charges) in topologically ordered models such as Kitaev's quantum double models and perturbations of such models. In order to cover the case of perturbed quantum double models, the Doplicher-Haag-Roberts approach, in which strict localization is assumed, has to be amended. To this end we consider endomorphisms of the observable algebra that are almost localized in cones. Under natural conditions on the reference ground state (which plays a role analogous to the vacuum state in relativistic theories), we obtain a braided tensor $C^*$-category describing the sectors. We also introduce a superselection criterion selecting excitations with energy below a threshold. When the threshold energy falls in a gap of the spectrum of the ground state, we prove stability of the entire superselection structure under perturbations that do not close the gap. We apply our results to prove that all essential properties of the anyons in Kitaev's abelian quantum double models are stable against perturbations.Comment: v2: 40 pages. Improved presentation, some corrections. v1: 37 pages. Some results were first reported in the dissertation of MC, arXiv:1708.0503

Jones index, secret sharing and total quantum dimension

We study the total quantum dimension in the thermodynamic limit of topologically ordered systems. In particular, using the anyons (or superselection sectors) of such models, we define a secret sharing scheme, storing information invisible to a malicious party, and argue that the total quantum dimension quantifies how well we can perform this task. We then argue that this can be made mathematically rigorous using the index theory of subfactors, originally due to Jones and later extended by Kosaki and Longo. This theory provides us with a 'relative entropy' of two von Neumann algebras and a quantum channel, and we argue how these can be used to quantify how much classical information two parties can hide form an adversary. We also review the total quantum dimension in finite systems, in particular how it relates to topological entanglement entropy. It is known that the latter also has an interpretation in terms of secret sharing schemes, although this is shown by completely different methods from ours. Our work provides a different and independent take on this, which at the same time is completely mathematically rigorous. This complementary point of view might be beneficial, for example, when studying the stability of the total quantum dimension when the system is perturbed.ERC/QFTCMPSERC/SIQSDFG/EXC/201EU/Horizon 2020ERC/DQSI

Local topological order and boundary algebras

We introduce a set of axioms for locally topologically ordered quantum spin systems in terms of nets of local ground state projections, and we show they are satisfied by Kitaev's Toric Code and Levin-Wen type models. Then for a locally topologically ordered spin system on $\mathbb{Z}^{k}$, we define a local net of boundary algebras on $\mathbb{Z}^{k-1}$, which gives a new operator algebraic framework for studying topological spin systems. We construct a canonical quantum channel so that states on the boundary quasi-local algebra parameterize bulk-boundary states without reference to a boundary Hamiltonian. As a corollary, we obtain a new proof of a recent result of Ogata [arXiv:2212.09036] that the bulk cone von Neumann algebra in the Toric Code is of type $\rm{II}$, and we show that Levin-Wen models can have cone algebras of type $\rm{III}$. Finally, we argue that the braided tensor category of DHR bimodules for the net of boundary algebras characterizes the bulk topological order in (2+1)D, and can also be used to characterize the topological order of boundary states.Comment: 44 pages, many figure