Characterizing the Nonequilibrium Dynamics of Field-Driven Correlated Quantum Systems

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent theoretical studies on the nonequilibrium dynamics of correlated quantum systems driven by a DC field, focusing on thermalization, steady states, and fluctuation-dissipation relations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of nonequilibrium dynamical mean-field theory applications to field-driven correlated systems, highlighting new insights into thermalization and steady-state behavior.

Findings

Thermalization can lead to an infinite temperature steady state.

The fluctuation-dissipation theorem indicates how systems approach equilibrium.

Wigner distribution evolution reveals details of nonequilibrium many-body dynamics.

Abstract

Recent experimental advances in ultrafast phenomena have triggered renewed interest in the dynamics of correlated quantum systems away from equilibrium. We review nonequilibrium dynamical mean-field theory studies of both the transient and the steady states of a DC field-driven correlated quantum system. In particular, we focus on the nonequilibrium behavior and how it relates to the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The fluctuation-dissipation theorem emerges as an indicator for how the system thermalizes and for how it reaches a steady state. When the system thermalizes in an infinite temperature steady state it can pass through a succession of quasi-thermal states that approximately obey the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. We also discuss the Wigner distribution and what its evolution tells us about the nonequilibrium many-body problem.