Quantum Simulation of Two-Dimensional U(1) Gauge Theory in Rydberg and Rydberg-Dressed Atom Arrays

Simulating U(1) quantum gauge theories with spatial dimensions greater than one is of great physical significance. Here we propose a simple realization of U(1) gauge theory with Rydberg and Rydberg-dressed atom arrays. Within the experimentally accessible range, we find that the various aspects of the U(1) gauge theory can be well simulated, such as the emergence of topological sectors, incommensurability, and the Rokhsar–Kivelson point that hosts deconfined charge excitations and degenerate topological sectors. Our proposal is promising to implement experimentally and exhibits pronounced quantum dynamics.