Recursive spectral relations and the charge versus neutral gap in fractional quantum Hall systems

Abstract

We consider quantum lattice Hamiltonians and derive recursive spectral relations bridging successive particle number sectors. One relation gives conditions under which the charge gap dominates the neutral gap. We verify these conditions under a triad of symmetries (translation-invariance, charge and dipole conservation) that are present, e.g., in periodic fractional quantum Hall systems. Thus, this gap domination, previously observed numerically, is a universal feature imposed by symmetry. A second relation yields a new induction-on-particle-number method for deriving spectral gaps. The results cover both bosons and fermions.