Fractionalized Prethermalization in a Driven Quantum Spin Liquid

TL;DR

This paper explores how a driven quantum spin liquid, specifically the Kitaev honeycomb model, exhibits a unique two-step heating process called fractionalized prethermalization, due to emergent fractionalized quasi-particles, with potential experimental observation.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of fractionalized prethermalization in driven quantum spin liquids and analyzes the distinct temperature dynamics of emergent excitations.

Findings

Identification of a two-step heating profile in the driven Kitaev model

Observation of a quasi-stationary state with different temperatures for matter and flux sectors

Proposal of an experimental protocol to observe fractionalized prethermalization

Abstract

Quantum spin liquids subject to a periodic drive can display fascinating non-equilibrium heating behavior because of their emergent fractionalized quasi-particles. Here, we investigate a driven Kitaev honeycomb model and examine the dynamics of emergent Majorana matter and $Z_2$ flux excitations. We uncover a distinct two-step heating profile $\textrm{--}$ dubbed fractionalized prethermalization $\textrm{--}$ and a quasi-stationary state with vastly different temperatures for the matter and the flux sectors. We argue that this peculiar prethermalization behavior is a consequence of fractionalization. Furthermore, we discuss an experimentally feasible protocol for preparing a zero-flux initial state of the Kiteav honeycomb model with a low energy density, which can be used to observe fractionalized prethermalization in quantum information processing platforms.