The random quantum comb: From compact localized states to many-body scars

Abstract

In this work we investigate the effects of configurational disorder on the eigenstates and dynamical properties of a tight-binding model on a quasi-one-dimensional comb lattice, consisting of a backbone decorated with linear offshoots of randomly distributed lengths. We show that all eigenstates are exponentially localized along the backbone of the comb. Moreover, we demonstrate the presence of an extensive number of compact localized states with precisely zero localization length. We provide an analytical understanding of these states and show that they survive in the presence of density-density interactions along the backbone of the system where, for sufficiently low but finite particle densities, they form many-body scar states. Finally, we discuss the implications of these compact localized states on the dynamical properties of systems with configurational disorder, and the corresponding appearance of long-lived transient behaviour in the time evolution of physically relevant product states.