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arXiv:2507.18950 · Physical review. B./Physical review. B

Universality of dissipative discrete time crystal formation

Roy D. Jara, Jayson G. Cosme

Published Jun 5, 2026• 1 citation
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Abstract

We demonstrate that the Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) holds for open systems transitioning from a disordered phase to a discrete time crystal (DTC). Specifically, we observe the characteristic power-law scaling with quench time of the number of spatial defects and the transition delay measured from the time at which the system crosses the critical point. We show analytically that this universal behavior can be traced back to how systems that can be mapped onto a dissipative linear parametric oscillator (DLPO) satisfy the adiabatic-impulse (AI) approximation, evinced by the divergence of the relaxation time of the DLPO near a critical point. We verify our predictions in both the classical and quantum regimes by considering two systems: the Sine-Gordon model, which is a paradigmatic system for emulating classical DTCs; and the open Dicke lattice model, an array of spin-boson systems subject to quantum fluctuations. We establish a universality class for DTC formation in systems that can be mapped onto a DLPO and show that the classical and quantum models considered here belong to this class.

DOI
10.1103/jjqm-f8hm

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We demonstrate that the Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) holds for open systems transitioning from a disordered phase to a discrete time crystal (DTC). Specifically, we observe the characteristic power-law scaling with quench time of the number of spatial defects and the transition delay measured from the time at which the system crosses the critical point. We show analytically that this universal behavior can be traced back to how systems that can be mapped onto a dissipative linear parametric oscillator (DLPO) satisfy the adiabatic-impulse (AI) approximation, evinced by the divergence of the relaxation time of the DLPO near a critical point. We verify our predictions in both the classical and quantum regimes by considering two systems: the Sine-Gordon model, which is a paradigmatic system for emulating classical DTCs; and the open Dicke lattice model, an array of spin-boson systems subject to quantum fluctuations. We establish a universality class for DTC formation in systems that can be mapped onto a DLPO and show that the classical and quantum models considered here belong to this class.
The crossing of a continuous phase transition gives rise to the formation of topological defects described by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) in the limit of slow quenches. The KZM predicts a universal power-law scaling of the defect density as a function of the quench time. We focus on the deviations from KZM experimentally observed in rapid quenches and establish their universality. While KZM scaling holds below a critical quench rate, for faster quenches the defect density and the freeze-out time become independent of the quench rate and exhibit a universal power-law scaling with the final value of the control parameter. These predictions are verified in several paradigmatic scenarios in both the classical and quantum domains.
Universal scaling laws govern the density of topological defects generated while crossing an equilibrium continuous phase transition. The Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) predicts the dependence on the quench time for slow quenches. By contrast, for fast quenches, the defect density scales universally with the amplitude of the quench. We show that universal scaling laws apply to dynamic phase transitions driven by an oscillating external field. The difference in the energy response of the system to a periodic potential field leads to energy absorption, spontaneous breaking of symmetry, and its restoration. We verify the associated universal scaling laws, providing evidence that the critical behavior of nonequilibrium phase transitions can be described by time-average critical exponents combined with the KZM. Our results demonstrate that the universality of critical dynamics extends beyond equilibrium criticality, facilitating the understanding of complex nonequilibrium systems.
When a system is swept through a quantum critical point (QCP), the Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts that the average number of topological defects follows a universal power-law scaling with the ramp time scale. This scaling behavior is determined by the equilibrium critical exponents of the underlying phase transition. We show that the correspondence between Kibble-Zurek scaling and quantum criticality does not hold generally. In particular, the defect density can exhibit a suppression faster than the Kibble-Zurek prediction even when the quench crosses a critical point, while conventional Kibble-Zurek scaling may persist for quenches through a non-critical point. Our results, based on models representative of a broad class of quasi-one-dimensional Fermi systems, identify the dynamical conditions under which universal defect scaling emerges and clarify the relation between defect generation and equilibrium criticality.
In the course of a nonequilibrium continuous phase transition, the dynamics ceases to be adiabatic in the vicinity of the critical point as a result of the critical slowing down (the divergence of the relaxation time in the neighborhood of the critical point). This enforces a local choice of the broken symmetry and can lead to the formation of topological defects. The Kibble–Zurek mechanism (KZM) was developed to describe the associated nonequilibrium dynamics and to estimate the density of defects as a function of the quench rate through the transition. During recent years, several new experiments investigated the formation of defects in phase transitions induced by a quench both in classical and quantum mechanical systems. At the same time, some established results were called into question. We review and analyze the Kibble–Zurek mechanism focusing in particular on this surge of activity, and suggest possible directions for further progress.
The Kibble-Zurek mechanism provides a universal framework for predicting defect formation in non-equilibrium phase transitions. While Markovian dissipation typically degrades universal scaling, the impact of non-Markovian memory remains largely unexplored. We demonstrate that an Ohmic bath induces a Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in the open quantum Rabi model. Using simulations based on Matrix Product States, we show that the excitation energy strictly follows universal Kibble-Zurek power-law scaling when evaluated at the freeze-out time. Crucially, we find that since the environment defines the universality class, dissipation does not inherently compete with adiabatic dynamics, in stark contrast to Markovian regimes. Our results establish the Kibble- Zurek mechanism as a robust witness of universality in open quantum systems, revealing that non-Markovian memory preserves the integrity of non-equilibrium scaling.
We investigate the dynamics of coupled discrete time crystals (DTCs) in the coupled Dicke model or Dicke dimer (DD) with dissipation. By numerically simulating the mean-field dynamics of the system, we show that coupling two DTCs decreases their oscillation amplitude following a transient relaxation period. For sufficiently strong coupling, the coupled DTCs become unstable, resulting in the system relaxing towards the normal phase (NP). We demonstrate that the relaxation time diverges near the critical coupling strength, suggesting a continuous phase transition. Using the truncated Wigner approximation (TWA), we explore how the dynamics are affected by the introduction of quantum fluctuations. We also consider a scenario in which an NP is briefly coupled to a DTC, seeding the NP to transform into a DTC that is either synchronized or anti-synchronized relative to the DTC. We investigate the robustness of this phenomenon in the presence of noise. Using these results, we propose a scheme to perform NAND and NOR operations with three DTCs by sequentially coupling the input and output sites. We identify the parameter regimes in which the logic gate architecture remains valid, and investigate how the protocol is affected by the presence of quantum fluctuations.