Reduction of G-SPT classification to a finite subgroup

Determine whether for every compact Lie group G there exists a finite subgroup H ≤ G such that the set of one-dimensional G-symmetry protected topological phases coincides with the set of H-symmetry protected topological phases.

Background

For many continuous groups, H2(G,U(1)) is finite. Physically, certain continuous symmetries can sometimes be reduced to discrete subgroups without losing SPT distinctions (e.g., SO(3) versus its Z2×Z2 dihedral subgroup).

This conjecture asks whether such a reduction always exists in one dimension, which would simplify classification and computation of SPT invariants for compact Lie group symmetries.

References

Conjecture. Let G be a compact Lie group. Then there exists a finite subgroup H≤G for which the set of G-SPT phases is exactly the same as the set of H-SPT phases.

SO(n) AKLT Chains as Symmetry Protected Topological Quantum Ground States (2403.09951 - Ragone, 15 Mar 2024) in Section SPT Phases