A Remark on the Notion of Independence of Quantum Integrals of Motion in the Thermodynamic Limit

Studies of integrable quantum many-body systems have a long history with an impressive record of success. However, surprisingly enough, an unambiguous definition of quantum integrability remains a matter of an ongoing debate. We contribute to this debate by dwelling upon an important aspect of quantum integrability-the notion of independence of quantum integrals of motion (QIMs). We point out that a widely accepted definition of functional independence of QIMs is flawed, and suggest a new definition. Our study is motivated by the PXP model-a model of N spins 1/2 possessing an extensive number of binary QIMs. The number of QIMs which are independent according to the common definition turns out to be equal to the number of spins, N. A common wisdom would then suggest that the system is completely integrable, which is not the case. We discuss the origin of this conundrum and demonstrate how it is resolved when a new definition of independence of QIMs is employed.