Probing Stringy Horizons with Pole-Skipping in Non-Maximal Chaotic Systems

Abstract:In this paper, we study pole-skipping in non-maximally quantum chaotic systems. Using Rindler conformal field theories and the large-$q$ SYK chain as illustrative examples, we argue that the pole-skipping points of few-body operators organize into trajectories in the complex frequency-momentum plane, with the leading trajectory encoding the quantum Lyapunov exponent. We further propose that these trajectories admit a natural interpretation as Regge trajectories of stringy excitations in a dual stringy black hole geometry. From this perspective, pole-skipping for an individual operator can be viewed as tracking the stringy horizon through the response of a single excitation. Our results suggest that pole-skipping reflects intrinsic properties of quantum chaotic systems and may be deeply connected to the structure of horizons in the stringy regime.

arXiv:2512.20700 [hep-th]

(or arXiv:2512.20700v2 [hep-th] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2512.20700 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

https://doi.org/10.1103/cvjn-7kvp Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources

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