The simplest quantum model supporting the Kibble-Zurek mechanism of topological defect production: Landau-Zener transitions from a new perspective

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the Landau-Zener model's dynamics can be effectively explained using the Kibble-Zurek theory, introducing a new perspective and an intuitive description of the process in a simple quantum system.

Contribution

It presents the simplest quantum model that exhibits the Kibble-Zurek mechanism and offers a new intuitive understanding of Landau-Zener dynamics.

Findings

Landau-Zener dynamics can be described by Kibble-Zurek theory.

A new intuitive description of Landau-Zener transitions is proposed.

The model provides a clear example of topological defect production in quantum systems.

Abstract

It is shown that dynamics of the Landau-Zener model can be accurately described in terms of the Kibble-Zurek theory of the topological defect production in nonequilibrium phase transitions. The simplest quantum model exhibiting the Kibble-Zurek mechanism is presented. A new intuitive description of Landau-Zener dynamics is found.