Abstract We review the dynamics after quantum quenches in integrable quantum spin chains. We give a pedagogical introduction to relaxation in isolated quantum systems, and discuss the description of the steady state by (generalized) Gibbs ensembles. We then turn to general features in the time evolution of local observables after the quench, using a simple model of free fermions as an example. In the second part we present an overview of recent progress in describing quench dynamics in two key paradigms for quantum integrable models, the transverse field Ising chain and the anisotropic spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain.Abstract We review the dynamics after quantum quenches in integrable quantum spin chains. We give a pedagogical introduction to relaxation in isolated quantum systems, and discuss the description of the steady state by (generalized) Gibbs ensembles. We then turn to general features in the time evolution of local observables after the quench, using a simple model of free fermions as an example. In the second part we present an overview of recent progress in describing quench dynamics in two key paradigms for quantum integrable models, the transverse field Ising chain and the anisotropic spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain.

arXiv:1603.06452Journal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and ExperimentJun 1, 2016753 citations

Dynamics of the Classical Heisenberg Chain

Z. Slanič, Harvey Gould, Jan Tobochnik

Computers in PhysicsNov 1, 19913 citations

Spin Dynamics of Heisenberg Chains

T. Schneider, E. Stoll

Modern problems in condensed matter sciencesJan 1, 19861 citation

Overlap distributions for quantum quenches in the anisotropic Heisenberg chain

Mazza, P., Jean-Marie Stéphan, Canovi, E. +3 more

The dynamics after a quantum quench is determined by the weights of the initial state in the eigenspectrum of the final Hamiltonian, i.e. by the distribution of overlaps in the energy spectrum. We present an analysis of such overlap distributions for quenches of the anisotropy parameter in the one-dimensional anisotropic spin-1/2 Heisenberg model (XXZ chain). We provide an overview of the form of the overlap distribution for quenches from various initial anisotropies to various final ones, using numerical exact diagonalization. We show that if the system is prepared in the antiferromagnetic Neel state (infinite anisotropy) and released into a non-interacting setup (zero anisotropy, XX point) only a small fraction of the final eigenstates gives contributions to the post-quench dynamics, and that these eigenstates have identical overlap magnitudes. We derive expressions for the overlaps, and present the selection rules that determine the final eigenstates having nonzero overlap. We use these results to derive concise expressions for time-dependent quantities (Loschmidt echo, longitudinal and transverse correlators) after the quench. We use perturbative analyses to understand the overlap distribution for quenches from infinite to small nonzero anisotropies, and for quenches from large to zero anisotropy.The dynamics after a quantum quench is determined by the weights of the initial state in the eigenspectrum of the final Hamiltonian, i.e. by the distribution of overlaps in the energy spectrum. We present an analysis of such overlap distributions for quenches of the anisotropy parameter in the one-dimensional anisotropic spin-1/2 Heisenberg model (XXZ chain). We provide an overview of the form of the overlap distribution for quenches from various initial anisotropies to various final ones, using numerical exact diagonalization. We show that if the system is prepared in the antiferromagnetic Neel state (infinite anisotropy) and released into a non-interacting setup (zero anisotropy, XX point) only a small fraction of the final eigenstates gives contributions to the post-quench dynamics, and that these eigenstates have identical overlap magnitudes. We derive expressions for the overlaps, and present the selection rules that determine the final eigenstates having nonzero overlap. We use these results to derive concise expressions for time-dependent quantities (Loschmidt echo, longitudinal and transverse correlators) after the quench. We use perturbative analyses to understand the overlap distribution for quenches from infinite to small nonzero anisotropies, and for quenches from large to zero anisotropy.

Jan 1, 201644 citations

Quench dynamics of entanglement in an open anisotropic spin- 12 Heisenberg chain

Jie Ren, Shiqun Zhu

The quantum entanglement dynamics of a one-dimensional spin- $1/2$ anisotropic $\mathit{XXZ}$ model is studied using the method of the adaptive time-dependent density-matrix renormalization group when two cases of quenches are performed in the system. An anisotropic interaction quench and the maximum number of domain walls of a staggered magnetization quench are considered. The dynamics of the pairwise entanglement between the nearest two qubits in the spin chain is investigated. The entanglement of the two spin qubits can be created and oscillates in both cases of the quench. The anisotropic interaction has a strong influence on the oscillation frequency of the entanglement.The quantum entanglement dynamics of a one-dimensional spin-$1/2$ anisotropic $\mathit{XXZ}$ model is studied using the method of the adaptive time-dependent density-matrix renormalization group when two cases of quenches are performed in the system. An anisotropic interaction quench and the maximum number of domain walls of a staggered magnetization quench are considered. The dynamics of the pairwise entanglement between the nearest two qubits in the spin chain is investigated. The entanglement of the two spin qubits can be created and oscillates in both cases of the quench. The anisotropic interaction has a strong influence on the oscillation frequency of the entanglement.

arXiv:1006.1417Physical Review AJan 21, 201010 citations

The quantum entanglement dynamics of a one-dimensional spin-

1/2

anisotropic

\mathit{XXZ}

model is studied using the method of the adaptive time-dependent density-matrix renormalization group when two cases of quenches are performed in the system. An anisotropic interaction quench and the maximum number of domain walls of a staggered magnetization quench are considered. The dynamics of the pairwise entanglement between the nearest two qubits in the spin chain is investigated. The entanglement of the two spin qubits can be created and oscillates in both cases of the quench. The anisotropic interaction has a strong influence on the oscillation frequency of the entanglement.