Does an isolated quantum spin system thermalize?

Date

Thursday, February 29, 2024
16:00 - 17:00

Abstract

Understanding how closed quantum systems dynamically approach thermal equilibrium presents a major unresolved problem in statistical physics. Generically, it is expected that non-integrable quantum systems thermalize as they comply with the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH). However, in presence of strong disorder, the dynamics can possibly slow down to a degree that systems fail to thermalize on experimentally accessible timescales, as in spin glasses, or they fail to thermalize at all as evidenced for many-body localization (MBL). These questions are studied using an ensemble of Heisenberg spins with a tunable distribution of random coupling strengths realized by a Rydberg quantum simulator. We discover the crossover into a localized prethermal regime in isolated quantum system and find signatures of ergodicity breaking. The occurrence of hysteresis indicates the possible existence of a glass phase transition. In my talk, I will give an introduction into the general concept of thermalization in isolated quantum systems and show our recent results.

Organiser

UvA-IoP

Venue

UvA - Faculty of Science

Room number

H0.08

Category

Colloquium

Topics

quantum matter

Speakers

Prof. Dr. Matthias Weidemüller (Heidelberg University)