© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

Terms Privacy Legal Notice

arXiv:1802.08696 · Physical Review Letters

Correlation Functions of the Quantum Sine-Gordon Model in and out of Equilibrium

Ivan Kukuljan, Spyros Sotiriadis, G. Takács

Published Sep 13, 2018• 82 citations

Abstract

Complete information on the equilibrium behavior and dynamics of quantum field theory (QFT) is provided by multipoint correlation functions. However, their theoretical calculation is a challenging problem, even for exactly solvable models. This has recently become an experimentally relevant problem, due to progress in cold-atom experiments simulating QFT models and directly measuring higher order correlations. Here we compute correlation functions of the quantum sine-Gordon model, a prototype integrable model of central interest from both theoretical and experimental points of view. Building upon the so-called truncated conformal space approach, we numerically construct higher order correlations in a system of finite size in various physical states of experimental relevance, both in and out of equilibrium. We measure deviations from Gaussianity due to the presence of interaction and analyze their dependence on temperature, explaining the experimentally observed crossover between Gaussian and non-Gaussian regimes. We find that correlations of excited states are markedly different from the thermal case, which can be explained by the integrability of the system. We also study dynamics after a quench, observing the effects of the interaction on the time evolution of correlation functions, their spatial dependence, and their non-Gaussianity as measured by the kurtosis.

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.121.110402

Related papers

Finite temperature correlation functions of the sine--Gordon model

M. Tóth, J. H. Pixley, G. Takács +1 more

The sine-Gordon model serves as a foundational $1+1$-dimensional quantum field theory with numerous applications in condensed matter physics. Despite its integrability, characterizing its finite-temperature behavior remains a significant theoretical challenge. Here we use the previously developed Method of Random Surfaces (MRS) to evaluate two-point and higher-order correlation functions. We cross-check these results with known analytical limits, demonstrating that the MRS provides reliable, non-perturbative data in intermediate regimes where traditional form-factor expansions and semiclassical methods are inapplicable. Furthermore, we derive an exact result for arbitrary $N$-point functions satisfying an appropriate selection rule, providing a direct computational method for complex multi-point observables at finite temperature. We also characterize the non-Gaussianity of correlations and demonstrate that the results align with intuitive theoretical expectations.

arXiv:2604.12585•Apr 14, 2026•0 citations

Sine-Gordon model at finite temperature: The method of random surfaces

M. Tóth, J. H. Pixley, D. Szász-Schagrin +2 more

The authors study here the sine-Gordon quantum field theory, relevant for many 1D gapped systems and experimental settings. Despite its integrability, computing correlation functions, especially at finite temperatures, remains challenging. Existing methods like perturbative expansions, Monte Carlo simulations, and Hamiltonian truncation have limitations. The authors develop here a numerical approach using the method of random surfaces, which is efficient, scalable, and free from the sign problem. They validate their results against established techniques and propose future applications for multipoint functions and quench dynamics.

arXiv:2408.08828•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Apr 7, 2025•2 citations

Quantum quench dynamics of the sine-Gordon model in some solvable limits

Anı́bal Iucci, Miguel A. Cazalilla

With regard to the thermalization problem in isolated quantum systems, we investigate the dynamics following a quantum quench of the sine-Gordon model (sGM) in the Luther–Emery and the semiclassical limits. We consider the quench from the gapped to the gapless phase, as well as the reverse one. By obtaining analytic expressions for the one- and two-point correlation functions of the order parameter operator at zero-temperature, the manifestations of integrability in the absence of thermalization in the sGM are studied. It is shown that correlations in the long-time regime after the quench are well described by a generalized Gibbs ensemble. We also consider the case where the system is initially in contact with a reservoir at finite temperature. The possible relevance of our results to current and future experiments with ultracold atomic systems is also considered.

arXiv:1003.5167•New Journal of Physics•May 28, 2010•141 citations

Decay and recurrence of non-Gaussian correlations in a quantum many-body system

Marek Gluza, Thomas Schweigler, Mohammadamin Tajik +8 more

Gaussian models provide an excellent effective description of many quantum many-body systems ranging from condensed-matter systems1,2 all the way to neutron stars3. Gaussian states are common at equilibrium when the interactions are weak. Recently it was proposed that they can also emerge dynamically from a non-Gaussian initial state evolving under non-interacting dynamics4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. Here we present the experimental observation of such a dynamical emergence of Gaussian correlations in a quantum many-body system. This non-equilibrium evolution is triggered by abruptly switching off the effective interaction between the observed collective degrees of freedom, while leaving the interactions between the microscopic constituents unchanged. Starting from highly non-Gaussian correlations, consistent with the sine–Gordon model12, we observe a Gaussian state emerging over time as revealed by the decay of the fourth- and sixth-order connected correlations in the quantum field. A description of this dynamics requires a novel mechanism for the emergence of Gaussian correlations, which is relevant for a wide class of quantum many-body systems. In our closed system with non-interacting effective degrees of freedom, we do not expect full thermalization13,14,15,16,17,18,19. This memory of the initial state is confirmed by observing recurrences20 of non-Gaussian correlations.

•Jan 1, 2021•50 citations

Quantum electronic circuit simulation of generalized sine-Gordon models

Ananda Roy, Hubert Saleur

Investigation of strongly interacting, nonlinear quantum field theories (QFTs) remains one of the outstanding challenges of modern physics. Here, we describe analog quantum simulators for nonlinear QFTs using mesoscopic superconducting circuit lattices. Using the Josephson effect as the source of nonlinear interaction, we investigate generalizations of the quantum sine-Gordon model. In particular, we consider a two-field generalization, the double sine-Gordon model. In contrast to the sine-Gordon model, this model can be purely quantum integrable, when it does not admit a semiclassical description---a property that is generic to many multifield QFTs. The primary goal of this work is to investigate different thermodynamic properties of the double sine-Gordon model and propose experiments that can capture its subtle quantum integrability. First, we analytically compute the mass spectrum and the ground-state energy in the presence of an external ``magnetic'' field using Bethe ansatz and conformal perturbation theory. Second, we calculate the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations for the model and analyze its finite temperature properties. Third, we propose experiments to verify the theoretical predictions.

arXiv:1902.09530•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Oct 23, 2019•27 citations

Finite-temperature dynamics in gapped one-dimensional models in the sine-Gordon family

Márton Kormos, Dániel Vörös, Gergely Zaránd

The sine-Gordon model appears as the low-energy effective field theory of various one-dimensional gapped quantum systems. Here we investigate the dynamics of generic, nonintegrable systems belonging to the sine-Gordon family at finite temperature within the semiclassical approach. Focusing on timescales where the effect of nontrivial quasiparticle scatterings becomes relevant, we obtain universal results for the long-time behavior of dynamical correlation functions. We find that correlation functions of vertex operators behave neither ballistically nor diffusively but follow a stretched exponential decay in time. We also study the full counting statistics of the topological current and find that distribution of the transferred charge is non-Gaussian with its cumulants scaling nonuniformly in time.

arXiv:2208.08406•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Nov 29, 2022•17 citations

Complete information on the equilibrium behavior and dynamics of quantum field theory (QFT) is provided by multipoint correlation functions. However, their theoretical calculation is a challenging problem, even for exactly solvable models. This has recently become an experimentally relevant problem, due to progress in cold-atom experiments simulating QFT models and directly measuring higher order correlations. Here we compute correlation functions of the quantum sine-Gordon model, a prototype integrable model of central interest from both theoretical and experimental points of view. Building upon the so-called truncated conformal space approach, we numerically construct higher order correlations in a system of finite size in various physical states of experimental relevance, both in and out of equilibrium. We measure deviations from Gaussianity due to the presence of interaction and analyze their dependence on temperature, explaining the experimentally observed crossover between Gaussian and non-Gaussian regimes. We find that correlations of excited states are markedly different from the thermal case, which can be explained by the integrability of the system. We also study dynamics after a quench, observing the effects of the interaction on the time evolution of correlation functions, their spatial dependence, and their non-Gaussianity as measured by the kurtosis.

The sine-Gordon model serves as a foundational

1+1

-dimensional quantum field theory with numerous applications in condensed matter physics. Despite its integrability, characterizing its finite-temperature behavior remains a significant theoretical challenge. Here we use the previously developed Method of Random Surfaces (MRS) to evaluate two-point and higher-order correlation functions. We cross-check these results with known analytical limits, demonstrating that the MRS provides reliable, non-perturbative data in intermediate regimes where traditional form-factor expansions and semiclassical methods are inapplicable. Furthermore, we derive an exact result for arbitrary

N

-point functions satisfying an appropriate selection rule, providing a direct computational method for complex multi-point observables at finite temperature. We also characterize the non-Gaussianity of correlations and demonstrate that the results align with intuitive theoretical expectations.

The authors study here the sine-Gordon quantum field theory, relevant for many 1D gapped systems and experimental settings. Despite its integrability, computing correlation functions, especially at finite temperatures, remains challenging. Existing methods like perturbative expansions, Monte Carlo simulations, and Hamiltonian truncation have limitations. The authors develop here a numerical approach using the method of random surfaces, which is efficient, scalable, and free from the sign problem. They validate their results against established techniques and propose future applications for multipoint functions and quench dynamics.

With regard to the thermalization problem in isolated quantum systems, we investigate the dynamics following a quantum quench of the sine-Gordon model (sGM) in the Luther–Emery and the semiclassical limits. We consider the quench from the gapped to the gapless phase, as well as the reverse one. By obtaining analytic expressions for the one- and two-point correlation functions of the order parameter operator at zero-temperature, the manifestations of integrability in the absence of thermalization in the sGM are studied. It is shown that correlations in the long-time regime after the quench are well described by a generalized Gibbs ensemble. We also consider the case where the system is initially in contact with a reservoir at finite temperature. The possible relevance of our results to current and future experiments with ultracold atomic systems is also considered.

Gaussian models provide an excellent effective description of many quantum many-body systems ranging from condensed-matter systems1,2 all the way to neutron stars3. Gaussian states are common at equilibrium when the interactions are weak. Recently it was proposed that they can also emerge dynamically from a non-Gaussian initial state evolving under non-interacting dynamics4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. Here we present the experimental observation of such a dynamical emergence of Gaussian correlations in a quantum many-body system. This non-equilibrium evolution is triggered by abruptly switching off the effective interaction between the observed collective degrees of freedom, while leaving the interactions between the microscopic constituents unchanged. Starting from highly non-Gaussian correlations, consistent with the sine–Gordon model12, we observe a Gaussian state emerging over time as revealed by the decay of the fourth- and sixth-order connected correlations in the quantum field. A description of this dynamics requires a novel mechanism for the emergence of Gaussian correlations, which is relevant for a wide class of quantum many-body systems. In our closed system with non-interacting effective degrees of freedom, we do not expect full thermalization13,14,15,16,17,18,19. This memory of the initial state is confirmed by observing recurrences20 of non-Gaussian correlations.

Investigation of strongly interacting, nonlinear quantum field theories (QFTs) remains one of the outstanding challenges of modern physics. Here, we describe analog quantum simulators for nonlinear QFTs using mesoscopic superconducting circuit lattices. Using the Josephson effect as the source of nonlinear interaction, we investigate generalizations of the quantum sine-Gordon model. In particular, we consider a two-field generalization, the double sine-Gordon model. In contrast to the sine-Gordon model, this model can be purely quantum integrable, when it does not admit a semiclassical description---a property that is generic to many multifield QFTs. The primary goal of this work is to investigate different thermodynamic properties of the double sine-Gordon model and propose experiments that can capture its subtle quantum integrability. First, we analytically compute the mass spectrum and the ground-state energy in the presence of an external ``magnetic'' field using Bethe ansatz and conformal perturbation theory. Second, we calculate the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations for the model and analyze its finite temperature properties. Third, we propose experiments to verify the theoretical predictions.

The sine-Gordon model appears as the low-energy effective field theory of various one-dimensional gapped quantum systems. Here we investigate the dynamics of generic, nonintegrable systems belonging to the sine-Gordon family at finite temperature within the semiclassical approach. Focusing on timescales where the effect of nontrivial quasiparticle scatterings becomes relevant, we obtain universal results for the long-time behavior of dynamical correlation functions. We find that correlation functions of vertex operators behave neither ballistically nor diffusively but follow a stretched exponential decay in time. We also study the full counting statistics of the topological current and find that distribution of the transferred charge is non-Gaussian with its cumulants scaling nonuniformly in time.