U(1) Quantum Spin Liquids in 3+1D using Rydberg Interactions – a proposal

Quantum Spin Liquids are exotic phases of matter with fractional excitations whose ordering is usually invisible to local order parameters. Obtaining conclusive experimental evidence for such states in solid-state systems remains an outstanding problem. With recent proposals and an experiment showing preliminary signs of a Z₂ topological order, arrays of neutral atoms with Rydberg interactions have emerged as a promising platform to realize a spin liquid. In this work, we propose a way to realize a U(1) Quantum Spin Liquid in 3 spatial dimensions from Rydberg interactions. We study the phase diagram as a function of experimental parameters using a gauge mean field theory approach, considering the effect of long-range van der Waals interactions. We also suggest experimental probes for distinguishing the deconfined phase (quantum spin liquid) from a confined phase.