Work

Accurate Ground States of SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory in 2 + 1 D and 3 + 1 D

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present a neural network wave function framework for solving non-Abelian lattice gauge theories in a continuous group representation. Using a combination of SU(2) equivariant neural networks alongside an SU(2) invariant, physics-inspired ansatz, we learn a parametrization of the ground state wave function of SU(2) lattice gauge theory in 2+1 and 3+1 dimensions. Our method, performed in the Hamiltonian formulation, has a straightforward generalization to SU(N). We benchmark our approach against a solely invariant ansatz by computing the ground state energy, demonstrating the need for bespoke gauge equivariant transformations. We evaluate the Creutz ratio and average Wilson loop, and obtain results in strong agreement with perturbative expansions. Our method opens up an avenue for studying lattice gauge theories beyond one dimension, with efficient scaling to larger systems, and in a way that avoids both the sign problem and any discretization of the gauge group.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/wsk2-qcvy

Authors: Thomas Spriggs, Eliska Greplova, Juan Carrasquilla, Jannes Nys

Institutions: QuTech, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,750

Funders: Kavli Foundation, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek