Detecting quantum phase transitions via out-of-time-ordered correlators without time reversal

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a dynamical method to connect quantum phase transitions (QPTs) and quantum coherence via out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOCs), which measure the spread of quantum information in a many-body system. Using iconic examples of QPTs, we show that an abrupt change in coherence and entanglement of the ground state across a QPT is observable in the spectrum of multiple quantum coherences, a special type of OTOC first developed in NMR spectroscopy. We develop a robust protocol to obtain the relevant OTOCs using quasi-adiabatic ramps, alleviating the need for time reversal of coherent dynamics [1]. Our protocol is applicable for a broad range of current experiments in trapped ions and optical tweezer arrays.

[1] R. J. Lewis-Swan, S. R. Muleady, A. M. Rey, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 240605 (2020).

*Supported by QLCI, NSF-PFC, AFOSR, ARO, DARPA, and NIST.

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Publication: R. J. Lewis-Swan, S. R. Muleady, A. M. Rey, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 240605 (2020).

Presenters

  • Sean R Muleady

    • JILA

Authors

  • Sean R Muleady

    • JILA

  • Robert J Lewis-Swan

    • The University of Oklahoma

  • Ana Maria Rey

    • University of Colorado, Boulder
    • JILA
    • JILA, NIST, CU Boulder
    • JILA, University of Colorado Boulder
    • JILA, NIST and Dept. of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder
    • JILA, NIST, Univ. of Colorado Boulder