arXiv:2512.03163 · Entropy

Matrix Quantum Mechanics and Entanglement Entropy: A Review

Jackson R. Fliss, Frenkel Alexander

Published Dec 31, 2025• 3 citations

Abstract

We review aspects of entanglement entropy in the quantum mechanics of N×N matrices, i.e., matrix quantum mechanics (MQM), at large N. In doing so, we review standard models of MQM and their relation to string theory, D-brane physics, and emergent non-commutative geometries. We overview, in generality, definitions of subsystems and entanglement entropies in theories with gauge redundancy and discuss the additional structure required for definining subsystems in MQMs possessing a U(N) gauge redundancy. In connecting these subsystems to non-commutative geometry, we review several works on ‘target space entanglement,’ and entanglement in non-commutative field theories, highlighting the conditions in which target space entanglement entropy displays an ‘area law’ at large N. We summarize several example calculations of entanglement entropy in non-commutative geometries and MQMs. We review recent work in connecting the area law entanglement of MQM to the Ryu–Takayanagi formula, highlighting the conditions in which U(N) invariance implies a minimal area formula for the entanglement entropy at large N. Finally, we make comments on open questions and research directions.

DOI: 10.3390/e28010058

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