Intermediate super-exponential localization with Aubry-Andr\'e chains

Abstract

We demonstrate the existence of an intermediate super-exponential localization regime for eigenstates of the Aubry-Andr\'e chain. In this regime, the eigenstates localize factorially similarly to the eigenstates of the Wannier-Stark ladder. The super-exponential decay emerges on intermediate length scales for large values of the $\textit{winding length}$ -- the quasi-period of the Aubry-Andr\'e potential. This intermediate localization is present both in the metallic and insulating phases of the system. In the insulating phase, the super-exponential localization is periodically interrupted by weaker decaying tails to form the conventional asymptotic exponential decay predicted for the Aubry-Andr\'e model. In the metallic phase, the super-exponential localization happens for states with energies away from the center of the spectrum and is followed by a super-exponential growth into the next peak of the extended eigenstate. By adjusting the parameters it is possible to arbitrarily extend the validity of the super-exponential localization. A similar intermediate super-exponential localization regime is demonstrated in quasiperiodic discrete-time unitary maps.