Quantum Phase Transitions in periodically quenched systems

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum phase transitions driven by periodic abrupt changes in control parameters, revealing results similar to traditional methods and offering experimental advantages.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of periodically quenching the control parameter to study quantum phase transitions, expanding experimental possibilities.

Findings

Periodic quenches produce phase transition phenomena similar to continuous variation.

The method offers practical benefits in experimental settings with limited control.

Results suggest robustness of quantum phase transition signatures under periodic driving.

Abstract

Quantum phase transitions encompass a variety of phenomena that occur in quantum systems exhibiting several possible symmetries. Traditionally, these transitions are explored by continuously varying a control parameter that connects two different symmetry configurations. Here we propose an alternative approach where the control parameter undergoes abrupt and time-periodic jumps between only two values. This approach yields results surprisingly similar to those obtained by the traditional one and may prove experimentally useful in situations where accessing the control parameter is challenging.