Emergent U(1) lattice gauge theory in Rydberg atom arrays

Rydberg atom arrays have emerged as a novel platform exhibiting rich quantum many-body physics and offering promise for universal quantum computation. The Rydberg blockade effect plays an essential role in establishing many-body correlations in this system. Over the past 2 or 3 years, Rydberg arrays have been used to realize exotic ground states such as spin liquids, quantum many-body scar states violating quantum thermalization, and a confinement–deconfinement transition through quantum dynamics. In this Perspective, we use lattice gauge theory as a universal theoretical framework to describe the Rydberg blockade effect and the recent exciting developments in this system from equilibrium phases to quantum dynamics. Analysing Rydberg atom arrays through this theoretical framework can reveal their connection with other strongly correlated systems, such as the Fermi–Hubbard model and the lattice gauge model, which can inspire the discovery of new phenomena in this platform. The Rydberg atomic array is an emerging quantum many-body physics platform, exhibiting rich physical phenomena, such as quantum spin liquids and quantum scar states. This Perspective analyses the latest progress in this system through a unified theoretical framework — lattice gauge theory — providing new insights for quantum simulation.