Disorder-Free Localization in 2+1D via Gauge Constraints and Hilbert Space Fragmentation — E8 Intelligence Research
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: FINDING: Lattice gauge theory simulations reveal disorder-free localization in 2+1D, linking gauge constraints to emergent Hilbert space fragmentation. | MATH: Gauge invariance imposes local constraints (Gauss law: \( \nabla \cdot \mathbf{E} = \rho \)); on a lattice, this becomes \( \sum_{\mu} (E_{x,\mu} - E_{x-\hat{\mu},\mu}) = \rho_x \). Disorder-free localization arises from gauge symmetry alone, without random potentials — the gauge field acts as a synthetic disorder. Key ratio: the localization length scales with the inverse gauge coupling \( 1/g^2 \). | CONNECTION: Lattice structure is a discrete approximation to continuous spacetime, but the underlying gauge group (e.g., U(1), SU(2)) has root systems (e.g., \( A_1 \), \( A_2 \)) that are crystallographic. The 2+1D lattice is a square grid (symmetry of order 4), but the gauge constraints produce effective "fragmentation" of the Hilbert space into sectors that map to dimer coverings or height models — these have known connections Author: Andrew Stewart Caldin, Independent Researcher, UK. Part of the E8 Intelligence Research series. Platform: e8intelligence.com
Author: Caldin, Andrew Stewart
Language: English
Topic: Quantum many-body systems
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203893669
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