Quench Dynamics Across Topological Quantum Phase Transitions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the non-equilibrium dynamics of topological quantum systems during phase transitions, revealing power-law bulk excitation scaling and unexpected anti-Kibble-Zurek behavior in edge states.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of bulk and edge excitation behaviors during quenches across topological phases, highlighting novel anti-Kibble-Zurek phenomena in edge excitations.

Findings

Bulk excitations follow Kibble-Zurek scaling.

Edge excitations exhibit anti-Kibble-Zurek behavior.

Mechanism for edge excitation generation is identified.

Abstract

We study the dynamics of systems quenched through topological quantum phase transitions and investigate the behavior of the bulk and edge excitations with various quench rates. Specifically, we consider the Haldane model and checkerboard model in slow quench processes with distinct band-touching structures leading to topology changes. The generation of bulk excitations is found to obey the power-law relation Kibble-Zurek and Landau-Zener theories predict. However, an anti-Kibble-Zurek behavior is observed in the edge excitations. The mechanism of excitation generation on edge states is revealed, which explains the anti-Kibble-Zurek behavior.