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At least 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Adiabatic quantum decoherence in many non-interacting subsystems induced by the coupling with a common boson bath

Highlights: • System–environment quantum correlation: a main solid state NMR decoherence channel. • Non-separable system–environment model yields realistic spin decoherence rates. • New open quantum system approach explains irreversible decay of refocused NMR echoes. • Adiabatic quantum decoherence is inherently irreversible and eigen-selective. This work addresses adiabatic quantum decoherence of many-body spin systems coupled with a boson field in the framework of open quantum systems theory. We generalize the traditional spin-boson model by considering a system–environment interaction Hamiltonian that represents a partition of non-interacting subsystems and highlights the collective correlation that appears exclusively due to the coupling with a common environment. Remarkably, this simple, exactly solvable model encompasses relevant aspects of a many-body open quantum system and features the subtle quantum effects that arise when the size scales up to a macroscopic level. We derive an analytical expression for the time dependence of the density matrix elements (in the preferred basis) without assuming coarse-graining. The resulting decoherence function is eigen-selective and is a complex exponential whose exponent has a real part that introduces a decay similar to that in the spin-boson model. On the contrary, the imaginary part depends on the quantum numbers and geometry of the whole partition and does not reflect the system temperature. Motivated by decoherence in solid-state NMR, and in search of realistic numerical estimations, we apply the theoretical results to a partition of dipole-coupled spin pairs in contact with a common phonon bath, using typical parameters of hydrated salts. The proposal allows estimating the decoherence time scale in terms of the system physical constants: sound velocity and eigenvalue distribution width. As a significant novelty, the decoherence function phase depends on the eigenvalue distribution throughout the sample. It plays the leading role, overshadowing the mechanism associated with the bath thermal state. Finally, we apply the formalism to describe decoherence in the “magic echo” NMR reversal experiment. We find that the system–environment correlation explains the origin of irreversibility, and both the decoherence rate value and its dependence on the dipolar frequency, are remarkably similar to the experiment.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Finite-Temperature Quantum Matter with Rydberg or Molecule Synthetic Dimensions

Synthetic-dimension platforms offer unique pathways for engineering quantum matter. We compute the phase diagram of a many-body system of ultracold atoms (or polar molecules) with a set of Rydberg states (or rotational states) as a synthetic dimension, where the particles are arranged in real space in optical microtrap arrays and interact via dipole-dipole exchange interaction. Using mean-field theory, we find three ordered phases—two are localized in the synthetic dimension, predicted as zero-temperature ground states, and one is a delocalized phase. We characterize them by identifying the spontaneously broken discrete symmetries of the Hamiltonian. We also compute the phase diagram as a function of temperature and interaction strength for both signs of the interaction. For system sizes with more than six synthetic sites and attractive interactions, we find that the thermal phase transitions can be first or second order, which leads to a tricritical point on the phase boundary. Furthermore, by examining the dependence of the tricritical point and other special points of the phase boundary on the synthetic dimension size, we shed light on the physics for thermodynamically large synthetic dimension.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantum Krylov subspace algorithms for ground- and excited-state energy estimation

Quantum Krylov subspace diagonalization (QKSD) algorithms provide a low-cost alternative to the conventional quantum phase estimation algorithm for estimating the ground- and excited-state energies of a quantum many-body system. While QKSD algorithms typically rely on using the Hadamard test for estimating Krylov subspace matrix elements of the form $\langle \phi_i|e^{-\widehat{H}τ}|\phi_j\rangle$, the associated quantum circuits require an ancilla qubit with controlled multiqubit gates that can be quite costly for near-term quantum hardware. In this paper, we show that a wide class of Hamiltonians relevant to condensed-matter physics and quantum chemistry contain symmetries that can be exploited to avoid the use of the Hadamard test. We propose a multifidelity estimation protocol that can be used to compute such quantities, showing that our approach, when combined with efficient single-fidelity estimation protocols, provides a substantial reduction in circuit depth. In addition, here we develop a unified theory of quantum Krylov subspace algorithms and present three quantum-classical algorithms for the ground- and excited-state energy estimation problems, where each algorithm provides various advantages and disadvantages in terms of total number of calls to the quantum computer, gate depth, classical complexity, and stability of the generalized eigenvalue problem within the Krylov subspace.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quarkonium Polarization Kinetic Equation from Open Quantum Systems and Effective Field Theories

Recent measurements of polarization phenomena in relativistic heavy ion collisions have aroused a great interest in understanding dynamical spin evolution of the QCD matter. In particular, the spin alignment signature of J/ψ has been recently observed in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC, which may infer nontrivial spin transport of quarkonia in quark gluon plasmas. Motivated by this, we study the spin-dependent in-medium dynamics of quarkonia by using the potential nonrelativistic QCD (pNRQCD) and the open quantum system framework. By applying the Markovian approximation and Wigner transformation, we systematically derive the Boltzmann transport equation for vector quarkonia with polarization dependence in the quantum optical limit. As opposed to the previous study for the spin-independent case where the collision terms depend on chromoelectric correlators, the new kinetic equation incorporates gauge invariant correlators of chromomagnetic fields that determine the recombination and dissociation terms with polarization dependence at the order we are working in the multipole expansion. In the quantum Brownian motion limit, the Lindblad equation with new transport coefficients defined in terms of the chromomagnetic field correlators have also been derived. Our formalism is generic and valid for both weakly-coupled and strongly-coupled quark gluon plasmas. It may be further applied to study spin alignment of vector quarkonia in heavy ion collisions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electromagnetic response and emergent topological orders in transition metal dichalcogenide MoTe 2 bilayers

Twisted bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoTe 2 , provide a versatile platform for exploring correlated topological phases. This work investigates the interplay between perpendicular magnetic and electric fields in tuning the electronic structure and emergent topological orders of twisted bilayer MoTe 2 (t-MoTe 2 ) across two distinct regimes: a low-twist-angle phase (θ ≈ 2.1°) hosting multiple Chern bands of identical Chern numbers per valley, and a higher-angle phase (θ ≈ 3.89°) featuring Haldane-like bands with opposite Chern numbers. Using a continuum model incorporating moiré potentials up to second harmonics, we compute the Hofstadter fractal spectra under applied fields, revealing Landau fan structures and magnetic-flux-dependent band topology. These fractal spectra are useful in studying emergent topological orders in terms of the composite fermion picture, where the statistical Chern-Simons flux is approximated as a uniform gauge field. We demonstrate that the system hosts both Jain-sequence fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) and non-Jain fractal FCIs with higher Chern numbers. As a result, the electric field suppresses composite fermion gaps and induces topological quantum phase transitions. Furthermore, our analysis extends to valley-contrasting flux attachment, proposing pathways to describe fractional quantum spin Hall states.

Anyons↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fractional chiral hinge insulator

We propose and study a wave function describing an interacting three-dimensional fractional chiral hinge insulator (FCHI) constructed by Gutzwiller projection of two noninteracting second-order topological insulators with chiral hinge modes at half filling. We use large-scale variational Monte Carlo computations to characterize the model states via the entanglement entropy and charge-spin fluctuations. We show that the FCHI possesses fractional chiral hinge modes characterized by a central charge c = 1 and Luttinger parameter K = 1/2, like the edge modes of a Laughlin 1/2 state. The bulk and surface topology is characterized by the topological entanglement entropy (TEE) correction to the area law. While our computations indicate a vanishing bulk TEE, we show that the gapped surfaces host an unconventional two-dimensional topological phase. In a clear departure from the physics of a Laughlin 1/2 state, we find a TEE per surface compatible with (ln √2 )/2, half that of a Laughlin 1/2 state. This value cannot be obtained from topological quantum field theory for purely two-dimensional systems. For the sake of completeness, we also investigate the topological degeneracy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Layer pseudospin magnetism in a transition metal dichalcogenide double-moiré system

Spontaneous order of layer pseudospins in two-dimensional bilayers is common in quantum Hall systems, where it is responsible for hysteretic responses to gate fields in states with Ising order and giant drag voltages in states with XY (spontaneous interlayer phase coherence) order. In this article we predict that layer pseudospin order will also occur in double-moiré strongly correlated two-dimensional electron systems. Here, we comment on similarities and differences in the competition between the two types of order in quantum Hall and double-moiré systems, and relate our findings to previous work on Falicov-Kimball models of electronic ferroelectrics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Metropolis-style random sampling of quantum gates for the estimation of low-energy observables

In this work, we propose a quantum algorithm to compute low-energy expectation values of a quantum Hamiltonian by sampling a partition function associated with the average energy of that Hamiltonian. For any given quantum circuit-Hamiltonian pair, there is an associated average energy. The sampling is done through an accept/reject Metropolis-style algorithm on the quantum gates of the circuit itself. Observables calculated under the canonical ensemble from these samples of circuits are extrapolated from higher energies to the ground state.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Theoretical Advances in Polariton Chemistry and Molecular Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics

When molecules are coupled to an optical cavity, new light–matter hybrid states, so-called polaritons, are formed due to quantum light–matter interactions. With the experimental demonstrations of modifying chemical reactivities by forming polaritons under strong light–matter interactions, theorists have been encouraged to develop new methods to simulate these systems and discover new strategies to tune and control reactions. This review summarizes some of these exciting theoretical advances in polariton chemistry, in methods ranging from the fundamental framework to computational techniques and applications spanning from photochemistry to vibrational strong coupling. Even though the theory of quantum light–matter interactions goes back to the midtwentieth century, the gaps in the knowledge of molecular quantum electrodynamics (QED) have only recently been filled. We review recent advances made in resolving gauge ambiguities, the correct form of different QED Hamiltonians under different gauges, and their connections to various quantum optics models. Then, we review recently developed ab initio QED approaches which can accurately describe polariton states in a realistic molecule–cavity hybrid system. We then discuss applications using these method advancements. We review advancements in polariton photochemistry where the cavity is made resonant to electronic transitions to control molecular nonadiabatic excited state dynamics and enable new photochemical reactivities. When the cavity resonance is tuned to the molecular vibrations instead, ground-state chemical reaction modifications have been demonstrated experimentally, though its mechanistic principle remains unclear. We present some recent theoretical progress in resolving this mystery. Finally, we review the recent advances in understanding the collective coupling regime between light and matter, where many molecules can collectively couple to a single cavity mode or many cavity modes. We also lay out the current challenges in theory to explain the observed experimental results. We hope that this review will serve as a useful document for anyone who wants to become familiar with the context of polariton chemistry and molecular cavity QED and thus significantly benefit the entire community.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Geometric Event-Based Quantum Mechanics

In this work, we propose a special relativistic framework for quantum mechanics. It is based on introducing a Hilbert space for events. Events are taken as primitive notions (as customary in relativity), whereas quantum systems (e.g. fields and particles) are emergent in the form of joint probability amplitudes for position and time of events. Textbook relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory can be recovered by dividing the event Hilbert spaces into space and time (a foliation) and then conditioning the event states onto the time part. Our theory satisfies the full Lorentz symmetry as a ‘geometric’ unitary transformation, and possesses relativistic observables for space (location of an event) and time (position in time of an event).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Redshifting the Cosmological Constant in Unimodular Gravity via Nonlinear Quantum Mechanics

The cosmological constant problem represents a profound conflict between quantum field theory and general relativity. Unimodular gravity offers a compelling starting point by de-gravitating the vacuum energy of the Standard Model, but this framework traditionally trades the problem of vacuum energy for a fine-tuning of initial conditions, which manifest as a ``shadow" cosmological constant. In this paper, we resolve this initial conditions problem by proposing a novel modification to gravity based on nonlinear quantum mechanics. We introduce specific state-dependent terms to the Hamiltonian, constructed from expectation values of the metric such as the average Ricci scalar. These terms alter the dynamical equations of gravity such that the shadow energy density associated with unconstrained initial conditions redshifts away with cosmic expansion, rendering it negligible at late times. The resulting cosmology is naturally dominated by matter and radiation without fine-tuning. We demonstrate that this significant infrared modification of gravity is consistent with local and cosmological tests of gravity. We comment on the possibility of testing this solution in cosmological measurements of Newton's constant.

Kaplan, David E. [Johns Hopkins U.; Tokyo U., IPMU↗
DOE OSTI2020

The O(N) S-matrix monolith

We consider the scattering matrices of massive quantum field theories with no bound states and a global O(N) symmetry in two spacetime dimensions. In particular we explore the space of two-to-two S-matrices of particles of mass m transforming in the vector representation as restricted by the general conditions of unitarity, crossing, analyticity and O(N) symmetry. We found a rich structure in that space by using convex maximization and in particular its convex dual minimization problem. At the boundary of the allowed space special geometric points such as vertices were found to correspond to integrable models. The dual convex minimization problem provides a novel and useful approach to the problem allowing, for example, to prove that generically the S-matrices so obtained saturate unitarity and, insome cases, that they are at vertices of the allowed space.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spin polarization and correlation of quarks from the glasma

We investigate the interaction of strong color fields in the glasma stage of high-energy nuclear collisions with the spins of quarks and antiquarks. We employ the perturbative solution of the quantum kinetic theory for the spin transport of (massive) quarks in a background color field governed by the linearized Yang-Mills equation and derive expressions for the quark-spin polarization and quark-antiquark spin correlation at small momentum in terms of field correlators. For the Golec-Biernat–Wusthoff dipole distribution the quark-spin polarization vanishes, but the out-of-plane spin correlation of quarks and antiquarks is nonzero. Our order-of-magnitude estimate of the correlation far exceeds that caused by vorticity effects, but does not fully explain the data for vector meson alignment. We identify possible mechanisms that could further increase the predicted spin correlation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Construction of a series of new $\textit{ν}$ = 2/5 fractional quantum Hall wave functions by conformal field theory

In this paper, a series of $\textit{ν}$ = 2/5 fractional quantum Hall wave functions are constructed from conformal field theory(CFT). They share the same topological properties with states constructed by Jain's composite fermion approach. Upon exact lowest Landau level (LLL) projection, some of Jain's composite fermion states would not survive if constraints on Landau level indices given in the appendices of this paper were not satisfied. By contrast, states constructed from CFT are always in LLL. These states are characterized by different topological shifts and multibody relative angular momenta. Further, as a by-product, in the appendices we prove the necessary conditions for general $\textit{ν = p}$/(2$\textit{p}$ + 1) composite fermion states to have nonvanishing LLL projection.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pair Density Wave Order from Electron Repulsion

A pair density wave (PDW) is a superconductor whose order parameter is a periodic function of space, without an accompanying spatially uniform component. Since PDWs are not the outcome of a weak-coupling instability of a Fermi liquid, a generic pairing mechanism for PDW order has remained elusive. Here, we describe and solve models having robust PDW phases. To access the intermediate coupling limit, we invoke large-$N$ limits of Fermi liquids with repulsive BCS interactions that admit saddle point solutions. We show that the requirements for long-range PDW order are that the repulsive BCS couplings must be nonmonotonic in space and that their strength must exceed a threshold value. We obtain a phase diagram with both finite temperature transitions to PDW order and a $T = 0$ quantum critical point, where non-Fermi liquid behavior occurs.

2-dimensional systems↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spin alignment of vector mesons by glasma fields

We explain how spin alignment of vector mesons can be induced by background fields, such as electromagnetic fields or soft gluon fields. Our study is based on the quantum kinetic theory of spinning quarks and antiquarks and incorporates the relaxation of the dynamically generated spin polarization. The spin density matrix of vector mesons is obtained by quark coalescence via the Wigner function and kinetic equation. Our approach predicts a local spin correlation that is distinct from the nonlocal expressions previously obtained in phenomenological derivations. We estimate the magnitude of such local correlations in the glasma model of the preequilibrium phase of relativistic heavy ion collisions. It is found that the resulting spin alignment could be greatly enhanced and may be comparable to the experimental measurement in order of magnitude. We further propose new phenomenological scenarios to qualitatively explain the transverse-momentum and centrality dependence of spin alignment in a self-consistent framework.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Generalized Symmetries in Condensed Matter

Recent advances in our understanding of symmetry in quantum many-body systems offer the possibility of a generalized Landau paradigm that encompasses all equilibrium phases of matter. This is a brief and elementary review of some of these developments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Anomalous conductivity due to relativistic Landau quantization

Here we use a recently developed kinetic model derived from the Dirac equation, in order to study electromagnetic wave propagation in superstrong magnetic fields, such as in magnetars, where relativistic Landau quantization is prominent. The leading contribution to the conductivity tensor in such a plasma is calculated. It is found that the electron Hall current has an anomalous contribution, in the quantum relativistic regime, where the effective particle energy has a significant contribution from the diamagnetic and Zeeman energy. As a result, a new quantum resonance frequency appears, and the dispersion relation for the left- and right-hand polarized modes are strongly modified for long and moderate wavelengths. The implications for magnetar physics are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗