Control of global properties in a closed many-body quantum system by means of a local switch
Year: 2015
Type: preprint
Abstract: We consider non-equilibrium time evolution after a quench of a global Hamiltonian parameter in systems described by Hamiltonians with local interactions. Within this background, we propose a protocol that allows to change global properties of the state by flipping a switch that modifies a local term of the Hamiltonian (creating a defect). A light-cone that separates two globally different regions originates from the switch. The expectation values of macroscopic observables, that is to say local observables that are spatially averaged within a subsystem, slowly approach new asymptotic values determined by the defect. The process is almost reversible: flipping again the switch produces a new light-cone with the two regions inverted. Finally, we test the protocol under repeated projective measurements. As explicit example we study the dynamics in a simple exactly solvable model but analogues descriptions apply also to generic models.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Author: Fagotti, Maurizio
Language: English
Topic: Quantum many-body systems
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche
OpenAlex ID: W1832151507