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Analog quantum simulation has the potential to be an indispensable technique in the investigation of complex quantum systems. In this work, we numerically investigate a one-dimensional, faithful, analog, quantum electronic circuit simulator built out of Josephson junctions for one of the paradigmatic models of an integrable quantum field theory: the quantum sine-Gordon (qSG) model in 1+1 space-time dimensions. We analyze the lattice model using the density matrix renormalization group technique and benchmark our numerical results with existing Bethe ansatz computations. Furthermore, we perform analytical form-factor calculations for the two-point correlation function of vertex operators, which closely agree with our numerical computations. Finally, we compute the entanglement spectrum of the qSG model. We compare our results with those obtained using the integrable lattice-regularization based on the quantum XYZ chain and show that the quantum circuit model is less susceptible to corrections to scaling compared to the XYZ chain. We provide numerical evidence that the parameters required to realize the qSG model are accessible with modern-day superconducting circuit technology, thus providing additional credence towards the viability of the latter platform for simulating strongly interacting quantum field theories.

This paper is the first in a series where we attempt to define defects in critical lattice models that give rise to conformal field theory topological defects in the continuum limit. We focus mostly on models based on the Temperley-Lieb algebra, with future applications to restricted solid-on-solid (also called anyonic chains) models, as well as non-unitary models like percolation or self-avoiding walks. Our approach is essentially algebraic and focusses on the defects from two points of view: the "crossed channel" where the defect is seen as an operator acting on the Hilbert space of the models, and the "direct channel" where it corresponds to a modification of the basic Hamiltonian with some sort of impurity. Algebraic characterizations and constructions are proposed in both points of view. In the crossed channel, this leads us to new results about the center of the affine Temperley-Lieb algebra; in particular we find there a special basis with non-negative integer structure constants that are interpreted as fusion rules of defects. In the direct channel, meanwhile, this leads to the introduction of fusion products and fusion quotients, with interesting algebraic properties that allow to describe representations content of the lattice model with a defect, and to describe its spectrum., Comment: 51 pages, v2: much improved version with few sections rewritten, new result in Theorem 2.1, many typos fixed; v3: published version, new proof of Thm 2.1

This paper is the first in a series where we attempt to define defects in critical lattice models that give rise to conformal field theory topological defects in the continuum limit. We focus mostly on models based on the Temperley-Lieb algebra, with future applications to restricted solid-on-solid (also called anyonic chains) models, as well as non-unitary models like percolation or self-avoiding walks. Our approach is essentially algebraic and focusses on the defects from two points of view: the "crossed channel" where the defect is seen as an operator acting on the Hilbert space of the models, and the "direct channel" where it corresponds to a modification of the basic Hamiltonian with some sort of impurity. Algebraic characterizations and constructions are proposed in both points of view. In the crossed channel, this leads us to new results about the center of the affine Temperley-Lieb algebra; in particular we find there a special basis with non-negative integer structure constants that are interpreted as fusion rules of defects. In the direct channel, meanwhile, this leads to the introduction of fusion products and fusion quotients, with interesting algebraic properties that allow to describe representations content of the lattice model with a defect, and to describe its spectrum., Comment: 44 pages, v2: much improved version with few sections rewritten, new result in Theorem 2.1, many typos fixed

Finite Temperley-Lieb (TL) algebras are diagram-algebra quotients of (the group algebra of) the famous Artin's braid group $B_N$, while the affine TL algebras arise as diagram algebras from a generalized version of the braid group. We study asymptotic `$N\to\infty$' representation theory of these quotients (parametrized by $q\in\mathbb{C}^{\times}$) from a perspective of braided monoidal categories. Using certain idempotent subalgebras in the finite and affine algebras, we construct infinite `arc' towers of the diagram algebras and the corresponding direct system of representation categories, with terms labeled by $N\in\mathbb{N}$. The corresponding direct-limit category is our main object of studies. For the case of the finite TL algebras, we prove that the direct-limit category is abelian and highest-weight at any $q$ and endowed with braided monoidal structure. The most interesting result is when $q$ is a root of unity where the representation theory is non-semisimple. The resulting braided monoidal categories we obtain at different roots of unity are new and interestingly they are not rigid. We observe then a fundamental relation of these categories to a certain representation category of the Virasoro algebra and give a conjecture on the existence of a braided monoidal equivalence between the categories. This should have powerful applications to the study of the `continuum' limit of critical statistical mechanics systems based on the TL algebra. We also introduce a novel class of embeddings for the affine Temperley-Lieb algebras and related new concept of fusion or bilinear $\mathbb{N}$-graded tensor product of modules for these algebras. We prove that the fusion rules are stable with the index $N$ of the tower and prove that the corresponding direct-limit category is endowed with an associative tensor product. We also study the braiding properties of this affine TL fusion., Comment: 50pp

Finite Temperley-Lieb (TL) algebras are diagram-algebra quotients of (the group algebra of) the famous Artin's braid group $B_N$, while the affine TL algebras arise as diagram algebras from a generalized version of the braid group. We study asymptotic `$N\to\infty$' representation theory of these quotients (parametrized by $q\in\mathbb{C}^{\times}$) from a perspective of braided monoidal categories. Using certain idempotent subalgebras in the finite and affine algebras, we construct infinite `arc' towers of the diagram algebras and the corresponding direct system of representation categories, with terms labeled by $N\in\mathbb{N}$. The corresponding direct-limit category is our main object of studies. For the case of the finite TL algebras, we prove that the direct-limit category is abelian and highest-weight at any $q$ and endowed with braided monoidal structure. The most interesting result is when $q$ is a root of unity where the representation theory is non-semisimple. The resulting braided monoidal categories we obtain at different roots of unity are new and interestingly they are not rigid. We observe then a fundamental relation of these categories to a certain representation category of the Virasoro algebra and give a conjecture on the existence of a braided monoidal equivalence between the categories. This should have powerful applications to the study of the `continuum' limit of critical statistical mechanics systems based on the TL algebra. We also introduce a novel class of embeddings for the affine Temperley-Lieb algebras and related new concept of fusion or bilinear $\mathbb{N}$-graded tensor product of modules for these algebras. We prove that the fusion rules are stable with the index $N$ of the tower and prove that the corresponding direct-limit category is endowed with an associative tensor product. We also study the braiding properties of this affine TL fusion., Comment: 50pp

The periodic sl(2|1) alternating spin chain encodes (some of) the properties of hulls of percolation clusters, and is described in the continuum limit by a logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT) at central charge c=0. This theory corresponds to the strong coupling regime of a sigma model on the complex projective superspace $\mathbb{CP}^{1|1} = \mathrm{U}(2|1) / (\mathrm{U}(1) \times \mathrm{U}(1|1))$, and the spectrum of critical exponents can be obtained exactly. In this paper we push the analysis further, and determine the main representation theoretic (logarithmic) features of this continuum limit by extending to the periodic case the approach of [N. Read and H. Saleur, Nucl. Phys. B 777 316 (2007)]. We first focus on determining the representation theory of the finite size spin chain with respect to the algebra of local energy densities provided by a representation of the affine Temperley-Lieb algebra at fugacity one. We then analyze how these algebraic properties carry over to the continuum limit to deduce the structure of the space of states as a representation over the product of left and right Virasoro algebras. Our main result is the full structure of the vacuum module of the theory, which exhibits Jordan cells of arbitrary rank for the Hamiltonian., Comment: 69pp, 8 figs

The periodic sl(2|1) alternating spin chain encodes (some of) the properties of hulls of percolation clusters, and is described in the continuum limit by a logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT) at central charge c=0. This theory corresponds to the strong coupling regime of a sigma model on the complex projective superspace $\mathbb{CP}^{1|1} = \mathrm{U}(2|1) / (\mathrm{U}(1) \times \mathrm{U}(1|1))$, and the spectrum of critical exponents can be obtained exactly. In this paper we push the analysis further, and determine the main representation theoretic (logarithmic) features of this continuum limit by extending to the periodic case the approach of [N. Read and H. Saleur, Nucl. Phys. B 777 316 (2007)]. We first focus on determining the representation theory of the finite size spin chain with respect to the algebra of local energy densities provided by a representation of the affine Temperley-Lieb algebra at fugacity one. We then analyze how these algebraic properties carry over to the continuum limit to deduce the structure of the space of states as a representation over the product of left and right Virasoro algebras. Our main result is the full structure of the vacuum module of the theory, which exhibits Jordan cells of arbitrary rank for the Hamiltonian., Comment: 69pp, 8 figs

Logarithmic Conformal Field Theories (LCFT) play a key role, for instance, in the description of critical geometrical problems (percolation, self avoiding walks, etc.), or of critical points in several classes of disordered systems (transition between plateaus in the integer and spin quantum Hall effects). Much progress in their understanding has been obtained by studying algebraic features of their lattice regularizations. For reasons which are not entirely understood, the non semi-simple associative algebras underlying these lattice models - such as the Temperley-Lieb algebra or the blob algebra - indeed exhibit, in finite size, properties that are in full correspondence with those of their continuum limits. This applies to the structure of indecomposable modules, but also to fusion rules, and provides an `experimental' way of measuring couplings, such as the `number b' quantifying the logarithmic coupling of the stress energy tensor with its partner. Most results obtained so far have concerned boundary LCFTs, and the associated indecomposability in the chiral sector. While the bulk case is considerably more involved (mixing in general left and right moving sectors), progress has also been made in this direction recently, uncovering fascinating structures. This article provides a short general review of our work in this area., Comment: 44pp, 6 figures, many comments added

Logarithmic Conformal Field Theories (LCFT) play a key role, for instance, in the description of critical geometrical problems (percolation, self avoiding walks, etc.), or of critical points in several classes of disordered systems (transition between plateaus in the integer and spin quantum Hall effects). Much progress in their understanding has been obtained by studying algebraic features of their lattice regularizations. For reasons which are not entirely understood, the non semi-simple associative algebras underlying these lattice models - such as the Temperley-Lieb algebra or the blob algebra - indeed exhibit, in finite size, properties that are in full correspondence with those of their continuum limits. This applies to the structure of indecomposable modules, but also to fusion rules, and provides an `experimental' way of measuring couplings, such as the `number b' quantifying the logarithmic coupling of the stress energy tensor with its partner. Most results obtained so far have concerned boundary LCFTs, and the associated indecomposability in the chiral sector. While the bulk case is considerably more involved (mixing in general left and right moving sectors), progress has also been made in this direction recently, uncovering fascinating structures. This article provides a short general review of our work in this area., Comment: 44pp, 6 figures, many comments added

This paper is part of an effort to gain further understanding of 2D Logarithmic Conformal Field Theories (LCFTs) by exploring their lattice regularizations. While all work so far has dealt with the Virasoro algebra (or the product of left and right Virasoro), the best known (although maybe not the most relevant physically) LCFTs in the continuum are characterized by a W-algebra symmetry, whose presence is powerful, but difficult to understand physically. We explore here the origin of this symmetry in the underlying lattice models. We consider U_q sl(2) XXZ spin chains for q a root of unity, and argue that the centralizer of the "small" quantum group goes over the W-algebra in the continuum limit. We justify this identification by representation theoretic arguments, and give, in particular, lattice versions of the W-algebra generators. In the case q=i, which corresponds to symplectic fermions at central charge c=-2, we provide a full analysis of the scaling limit of the lattice Virasoro and W generators, and show in details how the corresponding continuum Virasoro and W-algebras are obtained. Striking similarities between the lattice W algebra and the Onsager algebra are observed in this case., Comment: 45pp., one fig, v3: many comments and few refs added, misprints corrected

We develop in this paper the principles of an associative algebraic approach to bulk logarithmic conformal field theories (LCFTs). We concentrate on the closed $gl(1|1)$ spin-chain and its continuum limit - the $c=-2$ symplectic fermions theory - and rely on two technical companion papers, "Continuum limit and symmetries of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain" [Nucl. Phys. B 871 (2013) 245-288] and "Bimodule structure in the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain" [Nucl. Phys. B 871 (2013) 289-329]. Our main result is that the algebra of local Hamiltonians, the Jones-Temperley-Lieb algebra JTL_N, goes over in the continuum limit to a bigger algebra than the product of the left and right Virasoro algebras. This algebra, S - which we call interchiral, mixes the left and right moving sectors, and is generated, in the symplectic fermions case, by the additional field $S(z,\bar{z})=S_{ab}\psi^a(z)\bar{\psi}^b(\bar{z})$, with a symmetric form $S_{ab}$ and conformal weights (1,1). We discuss in details how the Hilbert space of the LCFT decomposes onto representations of this algebra, and how this decomposition is related with properties of the finite spin-chain. We show that there is a complete correspondence between algebraic properties of finite periodic spin chains and the continuum limit. An important technical aspect of our analysis involves the fundamental new observation that the action of JTL_N in the $gl(1|1)$ spin chain is in fact isomorphic to an enveloping algebra of a certain Lie algebra, itself a non semi-simple version of $sp(N-2)$. The semi-simple part of JTL_N is represented by $Usp(N-2)$, providing a beautiful example of a classical Howe duality, for which we have a non semi-simple version in the full JTL image represented in the spin-chain. On the continuum side, simple modules over the interchiral algebra S are identified with "fundamental" representations of $sp(\infty)$., Comment: 69 pp., 10 figs, v2: the paper has been substantially modified - new proofs, new refs, new App C with inductive limits construction, etc

This paper is part of an effort to gain further understanding of 2D Logarithmic Conformal Field Theories (LCFTs) by exploring their lattice regularizations. While all work so far has dealt with the Virasoro algebra (or the product of left and right Virasoro), the best known (although maybe not the most relevant physically) LCFTs in the continuum are characterized by a W-algebra symmetry, whose presence is powerful, but difficult to understand physically. We explore here the origin of this symmetry in the underlying lattice models. We consider U_q sl(2) XXZ spin chains for q a root of unity, and argue that the centralizer of the "small" quantum group goes over the W-algebra in the continuum limit. We justify this identification by representation theoretic arguments, and give, in particular, lattice versions of the W-algebra generators. In the case q=i, which corresponds to symplectic fermions at central charge c=-2, we provide a full analysis of the scaling limit of the lattice Virasoro and W generators, and show in details how the corresponding continuum Virasoro and W-algebras are obtained. Striking similarities between the lattice W algebra and the Onsager algebra are observed in this case., Comment: 45pp., one fig, v3: many comments and few refs added, misprints corrected

We develop in this paper the principles of an associative algebraic approach to bulk logarithmic conformal field theories (LCFTs). We concentrate on the closed $gl(1|1)$ spin-chain and its continuum limit - the $c=-2$ symplectic fermions theory - and rely on two technical companion papers, "Continuum limit and symmetries of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain" [Nucl. Phys. B 871 (2013) 245-288] and "Bimodule structure in the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain" [Nucl. Phys. B 871 (2013) 289-329]. Our main result is that the algebra of local Hamiltonians, the Jones-Temperley-Lieb algebra JTL_N, goes over in the continuum limit to a bigger algebra than the product of the left and right Virasoro algebras. This algebra, S - which we call interchiral, mixes the left and right moving sectors, and is generated, in the symplectic fermions case, by the additional field $S(z,\bar{z})=S_{ab}\psi^a(z)\bar{\psi}^b(\bar{z})$, with a symmetric form $S_{ab}$ and conformal weights (1,1). We discuss in details how the Hilbert space of the LCFT decomposes onto representations of this algebra, and how this decomposition is related with properties of the finite spin-chain. We show that there is a complete correspondence between algebraic properties of finite periodic spin chains and the continuum limit. An important technical aspect of our analysis involves the fundamental new observation that the action of JTL_N in the $gl(1|1)$ spin chain is in fact isomorphic to an enveloping algebra of a certain Lie algebra, itself a non semi-simple version of $sp(N-2)$. The semi-simple part of JTL_N is represented by $Usp(N-2)$, providing a beautiful example of a classical Howe duality, for which we have a non semi-simple version in the full JTL image represented in the spin-chain. On the continuum side, simple modules over the interchiral algebra S are identified with "fundamental" representations of $sp(\infty)$., Comment: 69 pp., 10 figs, v2: the paper has been substantially modified - new proofs, new refs, new App C with inductive limits construction, etc

This paper is second in a series devoted to the study of periodic super-spin chains. In our first paper at 2011, we have studied the symmetry algebra of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain. In technical terms, this spin chain is built out of the alternating product of the gl(1|1) fundamental representation and its dual. The local energy densities - the nearest neighbor Heisenberg-like couplings - provide a representation of the Jones Temperley Lieb (JTL) algebra. The symmetry algebra is then the centralizer of JTL, and turns out to be smaller than for the open chain, since it is now only a subalgebra of U_q sl(2) at q=i, dubbed U_q^{odd} sl(2). A crucial step in our associative algebraic approach to bulk logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT) is then the analysis of the spin chain as a bimodule over U_q^{odd} sl(2) and JTL. While our ultimate goal is to use this bimodule to deduce properties of the LCFT in the continuum limit, its derivation is sufficiently involved to be the sole subject of this paper. We describe representation theory of the centralizer and then use it to find a decomposition of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain over JTL for any even number N of tensorands and ultimately a corresponding bimodule structure. Applications of our results to the analysis of the bulk LCFT will then be discussed in the third part of this series., Comment: latex, 42 pp., 13 figures + 5 figures in color, many comments added

This paper is the first in a series devoted to the study of logarithmic conformal field theories (LCFT) in the bulk. Building on earlier work in the boundary case, our general strategy consists in analyzing the algebraic properties of lattice regularizations (quantum spin chains) of these theories. In the boundary case, a crucial step was the identification of the space of states as a bimodule over the Temperley Lieb (TL) algebra and the quantum group U_q sl(2). The extension of this analysis in the bulk case involves considerable difficulties, since the U_q sl(2) symmetry is partly lost, while the TL algebra is replaced by a much richer version (the Jones Temperley Lieb - JTL - algebra). Even the simplest case of the gl(1|1) spin chain - corresponding to the c=-2 symplectic fermions theory in the continuum limit - presents very rich aspects, which we will discuss in several papers. In this first work, we focus on the symmetries of the spin chain, that is, the centralizer of the JTL algebra in the alternating tensor product of the gl(1|1) fundamental representation and its dual. We prove that this centralizer is only a subalgebra of U_q sl(2) at q=i that we dub U_q^{odd} sl(2). We then begin the analysis of the continuum limit of the JTL algebra: using general arguments about the regularization of the stress energy-tensor, we identify families of JTL elements going over to the Virasoro generators L_n, \bar{L}_n in the continuum limit. We then discuss the SU(2) symmetry of the (continuum limit) symplectic fermions theory from the lattice and JTL point of view. The analysis of the spin chain as a bimodule over U_q^{odd} sl(2) and JTL is discussed in the second paper of this series., Comment: 43 pp, few comments added

This paper is second in a series devoted to the study of periodic super-spin chains. In our first paper at 2011, we have studied the symmetry algebra of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain. In technical terms, this spin chain is built out of the alternating product of the gl(1|1) fundamental representation and its dual. The local energy densities - the nearest neighbor Heisenberg-like couplings - provide a representation of the Jones Temperley Lieb (JTL) algebra. The symmetry algebra is then the centralizer of JTL, and turns out to be smaller than for the open chain, since it is now only a subalgebra of U_q sl(2) at q=i, dubbed U_q^{odd} sl(2). A crucial step in our associative algebraic approach to bulk logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT) is then the analysis of the spin chain as a bimodule over U_q^{odd} sl(2) and JTL. While our ultimate goal is to use this bimodule to deduce properties of the LCFT in the continuum limit, its derivation is sufficiently involved to be the sole subject of this paper. We describe representation theory of the centralizer and then use it to find a decomposition of the periodic gl(1|1) spin chain over JTL for any even number N of tensorands and ultimately a corresponding bimodule structure. Applications of our results to the analysis of the bulk LCFT will then be discussed in the third part of this series., Comment: latex, 42 pp., 13 figures + 5 figures in color, many comments added

This paper is the first in a series devoted to the study of logarithmic conformal field theories (LCFT) in the bulk. Building on earlier work in the boundary case, our general strategy consists in analyzing the algebraic properties of lattice regularizations (quantum spin chains) of these theories. In the boundary case, a crucial step was the identification of the space of states as a bimodule over the Temperley Lieb (TL) algebra and the quantum group U_q sl(2). The extension of this analysis in the bulk case involves considerable difficulties, since the U_q sl(2) symmetry is partly lost, while the TL algebra is replaced by a much richer version (the Jones Temperley Lieb - JTL - algebra). Even the simplest case of the gl(1|1) spin chain - corresponding to the c=-2 symplectic fermions theory in the continuum limit - presents very rich aspects, which we will discuss in several papers. In this first work, we focus on the symmetries of the spin chain, that is, the centralizer of the JTL algebra in the alternating tensor product of the gl(1|1) fundamental representation and its dual. We prove that this centralizer is only a subalgebra of U_q sl(2) at q=i that we dub U_q^{odd} sl(2). We then begin the analysis of the continuum limit of the JTL algebra: using general arguments about the regularization of the stress energy-tensor, we identify families of JTL elements going over to the Virasoro generators L_n, \bar{L}_n in the continuum limit. We then discuss the SU(2) symmetry of the (continuum limit) symplectic fermions theory from the lattice and JTL point of view. The analysis of the spin chain as a bimodule over U_q^{odd} sl(2) and JTL is discussed in the second paper of this series., Comment: 43 pp, few comments added

We write the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz for the massive OSp(2|2) Gross Neveu and sigma models. We find evidence that the GN S matrix proposed by Bassi and Leclair [12] is the correct one. We determine features of the sigma model S matrix, which seem highly unconventional; we conjecture in particular a relation between this sigma model and the complex sine-Gordon model at a particular value of the coupling. We uncover an intriguing duality between the OSp(2|2) GN (resp. sigma) model on the one hand, and the SO(4) sigma (resp. GN model) on the other, somewhat generalizing to the massive case recent results on OSp(4|2). Finally, we write the TBA for the (SUSY version of the) flow into the random bond Ising model proposed by Cabra et al. [39], and conclude that their S matrix cannot be correct., Comment: 41 pages, 27 figures. v2: minor revision

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/1

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/2/29

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/8

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/1/14

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/1

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/2/29

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/8

Udgivelsesdato: 2008/1/14

We set up a strategy for studying large families of logarithmic conformal field theories by using the enlarged symmetries and non--semi-simple associative algebras appearing in their lattice regularizations (as discussed in a companion paper). Here we work out in detail two examples of theories derived as the continuum limit of XXZ spin-1/2 chains, which are related to spin chains with supersymmetry algebras gl($n|n$) and gl($n+1|n$), respectively, with open (or free) boundary conditions in all cases. These theories can also be viewed as vertex models, or as loop models. Their continuum limits are boundary conformal field theories (CFTs) with central charge $c=-2$ and $c=0$ respectively, and in the loop interpretation they describe dense polymers and the boundaries of critical percolation clusters, respectively. We also discuss the case of dilute (critical) polymers as another boundary CFT with $c=0$. Within the supersymmetric formulations, these boundary CFTs describe the fixed points of certain nonlinear sigma models that have a supercoset space as the target manifold, and of Landau-Ginzburg field theories. The submodule structures of indecomposable representations of the Virasoro algebra appearing in the boundary CFT, representing local fields, are derived from the lattice. A central result is the derivation of the fusion rules for these fields.

The symmetry algebras of certain families of quantum spin chains are considered in detail. The simplest examples possess m states per site (m\geq2), with nearest-neighbor interactions with U(m) symmetry, under which the sites transform alternately along the chain in the fundamental m and its conjugate representation \bar{m}. We find that these spin chains, even with {\em arbitrary} coefficients of these interactions, have a symmetry algebra A_m much larger than U(m), which implies that the energy eigenstates fall into sectors that for open chains (i.e., free boundary conditions) can be labeled by j=0, 1, >..., L, for the 2L-site chain, such that the degeneracies of all eigenvalues in the jth sector are generically the same and increase rapidly with j. For large j, these degeneracies are much larger than those that would be expected from the U(m) symmetry alone. The enlarged symmetry algebra A_m(2L) consists of operators that commute in this space of states with the Temperley-Lieb algebra that is generated by the set of nearest-neighbor interaction terms; A_m(2L) is not a Yangian. There are similar results for supersymmetric chains with gl(m+n|n) symmetry of nearest-neighbor interactions, and a richer representation structure for closed chains (i.e., periodic boundary conditions). The symmetries also apply to the loop models that can be obtained from the spin chains in a spacetime or transfer matrix picture. In the loop language, the symmetries arise because the loops cannot cross. We further define tensor products of representations (for the open chains) by joining chains end to end. The fusion rules for decomposing the tensor product of representations labeled j_1 and j_2 take the same form as the Clebsch-Gordan series for SU(2). This and other structures turn the symmetry algebra \cA_m into a ribbon Hopf algebra, and we show that this is ``Morita equivalent'' to the quantum group U_q(sl_2) for m=q+q^{-1}. The open-chain results are extended to the cases |m|< 2 for

This paper carries on the investigation of the non-unitary su(2)_{-1/2} WZW model. An essential tool in our first work on this topic was a free-field representation, based on a c=-2 \eta\xi ghost system, and a Lorentzian boson. It turns out that there are several ``versions'' of the \eta\xi system, allowing different su(2)_{-1/2} theories. This is explored here in details. In more technical terms, we consider extensions (in the c=-2 language) from the small to the large algebra representation and, in a further step, to the full symplectic fermion theory. In each case, the results are expressed in terms of su(2)_{-1/2} representations. At the first new layer (large algebra), continuous representations appear which are interpreted in terms of relaxed modules. At the second step (symplectic formulation), we recover a logarithmic theory with its characteristic signature, the occurrence of indecomposable representations. To determine whether any of these three versions of the su(2)_{-1/2} WZW is well-defined, one conventionally requires the construction of a modular invariant. This issue, however, is plagued with various difficulties, as we discuss., Comment: 28 pages, 9 figures, v2: presentation modified, version to be published

We study in this paper the ground state energy of a free bosonic theory on a finite interval of length $R$ with either a pair of sine-Gordon type or a pair of Kondo type interactions at each boundary. This problem has potential applications in condensed matter (current through superconductor-Luttinger liquid-superconductor junctions) as well as in open string theory (tachyon condensation). While the application of Bethe ansatz techniques to this problem is in principle well known, considerable technical difficulties are encountered. These difficulties arise mainly from the way the bare couplings are encoded in the reflection matrices, and require complex analytic continuations, which we carry out in detail in a few cases., Comment: 34 pages (revtex), 8 figures

The bosonic beta-gamma ghost system has long been used in formal constructions of conformal field theory. It has become important in its own right in the last few years, as a building block of field theory approaches to disordered systems, and as a simple representative -- due in part to its underlying su(2)_{-1/2} structure -- of non-unitary conformal field theories. We provide in this paper the first complete, physical, analysis of this beta-gamma system, and uncover a number of striking features. We show in particular that the spectrum involves an infinite number of fields with arbitrarily large negative dimensions. These fields have their origin in a twisted sector of the theory, and have a direct relationship with spectrally flowed representations in the underlying su(2)_{-1/2} theory. We discuss the spectral flow in the context of the operator algebra and fusion rules, and provide a re-interpretation of the modular invariant consistent with the spectrum., Comment: 33 pages, 1 figure, LaTeX, v2: minor revision, references added

Loop models in two dimensions can be related to O(N) models. The low-temperature dense-loops phase of such a model, or of its reformulation using a supergroup as symmetry, can have a Goldstone broken-symmetry phase for N<2. We argue that this phase is generic for -2< N <2 when crossings of loops are allowed, and distinct from the model of non-crossing dense loops first studied by Nienhuis [Phys. Rev. Lett. 49, 1062 (1982)]. Our arguments are supported by our numerical results, and by a lattice model solved exactly by Martins et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 504 (1998)]., Comment: RevTeX, 5 pages, 3 postscript figures

We study two-dimensional nonlinear sigma models in which the target spaces are the coset supermanifolds U(n+m|n)/[U(1)\times U(n+m-1|n)] \cong CP^{n+m-1|n} (projective superspaces) and OSp(2n+m|2n)/OSp(2n+m-1|2n) \cong S^{2n+m-1|2n} (superspheres), n, m integers, -2\leq m\leq 2; these quantum field theories live in Hilbert spaces with indefinite inner products. These theories possess non-trivial conformally-invariant renormalization-group fixed points, or in some cases, lines of fixed points. Some of the conformal fixed-point theories can also be obtained within Landau-Ginzburg theories. We obtain the complete spectra (with multiplicities) of exact conformal weights of states (or corresponding local operators) in the isolated fixed-point conformal field theories, and at one special point on each of the lines of fixed points. Although the conformal weights are rational, the conformal field theories are not, and (with one exception) do not contain the affine versions of their superalgebras in their chiral algebras. The method involves lattice models that represent the strong-coupling region, which can be mapped to loop models, and then to a Coulomb gas with modified boundary conditions. The results apply to percolation, dilute and dense polymers, and other statistical mechanics models, and also to the spin quantum Hall transition in noninteracting fermions with quenched disorder., Comment: 21 pages, no figures, RevTex format

We study the Josephson current through a Luttinger liquid in contact with two superconductors. We show that it can be deduced from the Casimir energy in a two-boundary version of the sine-Gordon model. We develop a new thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz, which, combined with a subtle analytic continuation procedure, allows us to calculate this energy in closed form, and obtain the complete current-crossover function from the case of complete normal to complete Andreev reflection., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

We present the first computation of the thermodynamic properties of the complex su(3) Toda theory. This is possible thanks to a new string hypothesis, which involves bound states that are non self-conjugate solutions of the Bethe equations. Our method provides equivalently the solution of the su(3) generalization of the XXZ chain. In the repulsive regime, we confirm that the scattering theory proposed over the past few years - made only of solitons with non diagonal S-matrices - is complete. But we show that unitarity does not follow, contrary to early claims, eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix not being pure phases. In the attractive regime, we find that the proposed minimal solution of the bootstrap equations is actually far from being complete. We discuss some simple values of the couplings, where, instead of the few conjectured breathers, a very complex structure (involving E_6, or two E_8) of bound states is necessary to close the bootstrap., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures; some minor changes; accepted for publication in Phys. Lett. B

These are notes of lectures given at The NATO Advanced Study Institute/EC Summer School on ``New Theoretical Approaches to Strongly Correlated Systems'' (Newton Institute, April 2000). They are a sequel to the notes I wrote two years ago for the Summer School ``Topological Aspects of Low Dimensional Systems'', (Les Houches, July 1998). In this second part, I review the form-factors technique and its extension to massless quantum field theories. I then discuss the calculation of correlators in integrable quantum impurity problems, with special emphasis on point contact tunneling in the fractional quantum Hall effect, and the two-state problem of dissipative quantum mechanics.

Functional relations play a key role in the study of integrable models. We argue in this paper that for massless field theories at zero temperature, these relations can in fact be interpreted as monodromy relations. Combined with a recently discovered duality, this gives a way to bypass the Bethe ansatz, and compute directly physical quantities as solutions of a linear differential equation, or as integrals over a hyperelliptic curve. We illustrate these ideas in details in the case of the $c=1$ theory, and the associated boundary sine-Gordon model., Comment: 18 pages, harvmac

I discuss in this paper the continuum limit of integrable spin chains based on the superalgebras sl(N/K). The general conclusion is that, with the full ``supersymmetry'', none of these models is relativistic. When the supersymmetry is broken by the generator of the sub u(1), Gross Neveu models of various types are obtained. For instance, in the case of sl(N/K) with a typical fermionic representation on every site, the continuum limit is the GN model with N colors and K flavors. In the case of sl(N/1) and atypical representations of spin j, a close cousin of the GN model with N colors, j flavors and flavor anisotropy is obtained. The Dynkin parameter associated with the fermionic root, while providing solutions to the Yang Baxter equation with a continuous parameter, thus does not give rise to any new physics in the field theory limit. These features are generalized to the case where an impurity is embedded in the system.

I discuss and extend the recent proposal of Leclair and Mussardo for finite temperature correlation functions in integrable QFTs. I give further justification for its validity in the case of one point functions of conserved quantities. I also argue that the proposal is not correct for two (and higher) point functions, and give some counterexamples to justify that claim., Comment: 11 pages

Boundary conditions changing operators have played an important role in conformal field theory. Here, we study their equivalent in the case where a mass scale is introduced, in an integrable way, either in the bulk or at the boundary. More precisely, we propose an axiomatic approach to determine the general scalar products ${}_b<\theta_1, ... ,\theta_m||\theta'_1, ... ,\theta'_{n}>_a$ between asymptotic states in the Hilbert spaces with $a$ and $b$ boundary conditions respectively, and compute these scalar products explicitely in the case of the Ising and sinh-Gordon models with a mass and a boundary interaction. These quantities can be used to study statistical systems with inhomogeneous boundary conditions, and, more interestingly maybe, dynamical problems in quantum impurity problems. As an example, we obtain a series of new exact results for the transition probability in the double well problem of dissipative quantum mechanics., Comment: 35 pages, harvmac

In this paper I complete the solution of the Bukhvostov Lipatov model by computing the physical excitations and their factorized S matrix. I also explain the paradoxes which led in recent years to the suspicion that the model may not be integrable., Comment: 9 pages

We discuss in this paper the behaviour of minimal models of conformal theory perturbed by the operator $\Phi_{13}$ at the boundary. Using the RSOS restriction of the sine-Gordon model, adapted to the boundary problem, a series of boundary flows between different set of conformally invariant boundary conditions are described. Generalizing the "staircase" phenomenon discovered by Al. Zamolodchikov, we find that an analytic continuation of the boundary sinh-Gordon model provides a flow interpolation not only between all minimal models in the bulk, but also between their possible conformal boundary conditions. In the particular case where the bulk sinh-Gordon coupling is turned to zero, we obtain a boundary roaming trajectory in the $c=1$ theory that interpolates between all the possible spin $S$ Kondo models., Comment: 13pgs, harvmac, 2 figs

Recently Lin, Balents, and Fisher have demonstrated that two-leg Hubbard ladders and armchair carbon nanotubes renormalize onto the integrable SO(8) Gross-Neveu model. We exploit this integrability to examine these systems in their doped phase. Using thermodynamic Bethe ansatz, we compute exactly both the spin and single particle gaps and the Luttinger parameter describing low energy excitations. We show both the spin and particle gap do not vanish at finite doping, while the Luttinger parameter remains close to its free fermionic value of 1. A similar set of conclusions is drawn for the undoped systems' behaviour in a finite magnetic field. We also comment on the exisitence in these systems of the $\pi$-resonance, a hallmark of Zhang's SO(5) theory of high $T_c$ superconductivity., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures

These are lectures presented at the Les Houches Summer School ``Topology and Geometry in Physics'', July 1998. They provide a simple introduction to non perturbative methods of field theory in 1+1 dimensions, and their application to the study of strongly correlated condensed matter problems - in particular quantum impurity problems. The level is moderately advanced, and takes the student all the way to the most recent progress in the field: many exercises and additional references are provided. In the first part, I give a sketchy introduction to conformal field theory. I then explain how boundary conformal invariance can be used to classify and study low energy, strong coupling fixed points in quantum impurity problems. In the second part, I discuss quantum integrability from the point of view of perturbed conformal field theory, with a special emphasis on the recent ideas of massless scattering. I then explain how these ideas allow the computation of (experimentally measurable) transport properties in cross-over regimes. The case of edge states tunneling in the fractional quantum Hall effect is used throughout the lectures as an example of application., Comment: 56 pages, 17 figures

We explain in this paper how a meaningful irrelevant perturbation theory around the infra-red (strong coupling) fixed point can be carried out for integrable quantum impurity problems. This is illustrated in details for the spin 1/2 Kondo model, where our approach gives rise to the complete low temperature expansion of the resistivity, beyond the well known $T^2$ Fermi liquid behaviour. We also consider the edge states tunneling problem, and demonstrate by Keldysh techniques that the DC current satisfies an exact duality between the UV and IR regimes. This corresponds physically to a duality between the tunneling of Laughlin quasi particles and electrons, and, more formally, to the existence of an exact instantons expansion. The duality is deeply connected with integrability, and could not have been expected a priori., Comment: 40 Pgs, harvmac, 5 Figs

We establish the existence of an exact non-perturbative self-duality in a variety of quantum impurity problems, including the Luttinger liquid or quantum wire with impurity. The former is realized in the fractional quantum Hall effect, where the duality interchanges electrons with Laughlin quasiparticles. We discuss the mathematical structure underlying this property, which bears an intriguing resemblance with the work of Seiberg and Witten on supersymmetric non-abelian gauge theory., Comment: 4 pages