Localized shocks

Abstract

Abstract: We study products of precursors of spatially local operators, Wxn(tn) . . .Wx1(t1), where Wx(t) = e-iHtWxe-iHt Using chaotic spin-chain numerics and gauge/gravity duality, we show that a single precursor fills a spatial region that grows linearly in t. In a lattice system, products of such operators can be represented using tensor networks. In gauge/gravity duality, they are related to Einstein-Rosen bridges supported by localized shock waves. We find a geometrical correspondence between these two descriptions, generalizing earlier work in the spatially homogeneous case.