Stochastic approach to non-equilibrium quantum spin dynamics

Robin B. Stinchcombe

Andreas Hackl, Stefan K. Kehrein, Matthias Vojta C

Toshihico Arimitsu, Takeshi Saito, T. Imagire

Stefano De Nicola, Benjamin Doyon, M. J. Bhaseen

Abstract We investigate a stochastic approach to non-equilibrium quantum spin systems based on recent insights linking quantum and classical dynamics. Exploiting a sequence of exact transformations, quantum expectation values can be recast as averages over classical stochastic processes. We illustrate this approach for the quantum Ising model by extracting the Loschmidt amplitude and the magnetization dynamics from the numerical solution of stochastic differential equations. We show that dynamical quantum phase transitions following quantum quenches from the ferromagnetic ground state are accompanied by signatures in the classical distribution functions, including enhanced fluctuations. We demonstrate that the method is capable of handling integrable and non-integrable problems in a unified framework, including those in higher dimensions.

Stefano De Nicola

Stefano De Nicola, Benjamin Doyon, M. J. Bhaseen

Following on from our recent work, we investigate a stochastic approach to non-equilibrium quantum spin systems. We show how the method can be applied to a variety of physical observables and for different initial conditions. We provide exact formulae of broad applicability for the time-dependence of expectation values and correlation functions following a quantum quench in terms of averages over classical stochastic processes. We further explore the behavior of the classical stochastic variables in the presence of dynamical quantum phase transitions, including results for their distributions and correlation functions. We provide details on the numerical solution of the associated stochastic differential equations, and examine the growth of fluctuations in the classical description. We discuss the strengths and limitations of the current implementation of the stochastic approach and the potential for further development.