arXiv subjects

Luca Lepori

Publications and source records attributed to Luca Lepori.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Revealing the topology of quantum states via Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobabilities

We discuss a theoretical approach to discriminate whether two states of a many-body quantum system belong or not to different topology classes. This approach is based on expressing a strange correlator - a recently established tool for quantum topology discrimination - between the states as a function of Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobabilities (KDQs). KDQs provide a first-principles representation of two-time quantum correlators. The link between strange correlators and KDQs allows to establish that strange correlators are weak values of an observable converting an initial trivial state into a topologically non-trivial one. We thus propose a quantum topology witness that is achievable measuring the prior and subsequent effects on a many-body system of a sudden quench transformation that realizes the transition between trivial and topological phases. The witness is evaluated on a probe quantum state whose main features are detailed within the paper. Finally, directly exploiting schemes that allows for the complete reconstruction of KDQs, we address an interferometric protocol for topology discrimination, along with a general discussion of the main lines and challenges towards its implementation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Superconducting properties of the three-dimensional Hofstadter-Hubbard model below the critical flux for Weyl points

The three-dimensional Hofstadter model exhibits a critical rational flux at which Weyl points emerge in the single-particle spectrum. We study the superconducting regime of the model in the presence of a Hubbard attractive interaction by tuning the magnetic flux across its critical value. We determine the phase diagram in the plane of the coprime pairs parametrizing the magnetic flux. We show that the system exhibits two distinct regimes separated by a critical flux $\Phi_c$: for $\Phi>\Phi_c$, a semimetal-to-superconductor quantum phase transition occurs at a finite interaction strength ($U_c\neq0$), while for $\Phi<\Phi_c$ superconductivity arises for arbitrarily weak attraction, with a BCS-like exponential scaling of the gap due to the finiteness of the density of states. Close to the transition, we study the scaling behavior and identify the critical exponents. Our results highlight the interplay between magnetic band topology and attractive pairing in three-dimensional Hofstadter systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Binary superfluids: Low-energy properties and dissipative processes from spontaneous emission of massive phonons

We discuss the low-energy properties of binary superfluids with density-dependent interactions. Adding an intra-species coupling that induces an explicit soft symmetry-breaking, we determine the background pressure and we show that the low-energy spectrum consists of a massless Nambu- Goldstone boson and a massive (pseudo) Nambu-Goldstone boson. When the background velocities of the two superfluids are transonic, the system is characterized by two distinct acoustic horizons: the hydrodynamic analogue of the black hole event horizon. The Hawking-like emission occurring at these horizons produces an effective friction on the fluids. We compute the viscosity-to-entropy ratios close to the two acoustic horizons, finding that the emission of pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons violates the bound conjectured by Kovtun, Son and Starinet.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Dephasing-tolerant quantum sensing for transverse magnetic fields with spin qudits

We propose a dephasing-tolerant protocol for quantum sensing of transverse magnetic fields which exploits spin qudit sensors with embedded fault-tolerant (FT) quantum error correction. By exploiting longitudinal drives, the transverse field induces logical Rabi oscillations between encoded states, whose frequency is linear in the transverse field to be probed. Numerical simulations show that the present FT protocol enables the detection of very small fields, orders of magnitudes below the limit imposed by the coherence time.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Can multipartite entanglement be characterized by two-point connected correlation functions ?

We discuss under which conditions multipartite entanglement in mixed quantum states can be characterized only in terms of two-point connected correlation functions, as it is the case for pure states. In turn, the latter correlations are defined via a suitable combination of (disconnected) one- and two-point correlation functions. In contrast to the case of pure states, conditions to be satisfied turn out to be rather severe. However, we were able to identify some interesting cases, as when the point-independence is valid of the one-point correlations in each possible decomposition of the density matrix, or when the operators that enter in the correlations are (semi-)positive/negative defined.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Detecting quasi-degenerate ground states in topological models via variational quantum eigensolver

We study the exact ground states of the Su--Schrieffer--Heeger open chain and of the Kitaev open chain, using the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm. These models host symmetry-protected topological phases, characterized by edge modes with vanishing single-particle energy in the thermodynamic limit. The same fact prevents the standard VQE algorithm from converging to the correct ground state for finite chains, since it is quasi-degenerate in energy with other many-body states. Notably, this quasi-degeneracy cannot be removed by small perturbations, as in typical spin systems. We address this issue by imposing appropriate constraints on the VQE evolution and constructing appropriate variational circuits, to restrict the probed portion of the Hilbert space along the same evolution. These constraints stem from both general properties of the topological phases and of the studied Hamiltonians. In this way, the improved VQE algorithm achieves an accurate convergence to the exact ground states in each phase. The present approach promises large applicability, also to realistic systems with different topologies and/or not easily removable degeneracies, thanks to the very high fidelity achievable also on systems with a relatively high number of qubits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Atomic Quantum Technologies for Quantum Matter and Fundamental Physics Applications

Physics is living an era of unprecedented cross-fertilization among the different areas of science. In this perspective review, we discuss the manifold impact that ultracold-atom quantum technologies can have in fundamental and applied science through platforms for quantum simulation, computation, metrology and sensing. We illustrate how the engineering of table-top experiments with atom technologies is engendering applications to understand problems in condensed matter and fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics, foundational aspects of quantum mechanics, quantum chemistry and the emerging field of quantum biology. We take the perspective of two main approaches, i.e. creating quantum analogues and building quantum simulators, highlighting that independently of the ultimate goal of a universal quantum computer to be met, the remarkable transformative effects of these achievements remain unchanged. We convey three main messages. First, atomic quantum technologies have enabled a new way in which quantum technologies are used for fundamental science, even beyond the advancement of knowledge, which is characterised by truly cross-disciplinary research, extended interplay between theoretical and experimental thinking, and intersectoral approach. Second, quantum many-body physics is taking the center stage in frontier's science. Third, quantum science progress will have capillary impact on society. Thus, the adoption of a responsible research and innovation approach to quantum technologies is mandatory, to accompany citizens in building awareness and future scaffolding. Following on all these reflections, this perspective review is aimed at scientists active or interested in interdisciplinary research, providing the reader with an overview of the current status of these wide fields of research where ultracold-atomic platforms play a vital role in their description and simulation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Dissipation driven dynamical topological phase transitions in two-dimensional superconductors

We induce and study a topological dynamical phase transition between two planar superconducting phases. Using the Lindblad equation to account for the interactions of Bogoliubov quasiparticles among themselves and with the fluctuations of the superconducting order parameter, we derive the relaxation dynamics of the order parameter. To characterize the phase transition, we compute the fidelity and the spin-Hall conductance of the open system. Our approach provides crucial informations for experimental implementations, such as the dependence of the critical time on the system-bath coupling.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Fault-Tolerant Computing with Single Qudit Encoding

We discuss stabilizer quantum-error correction codes implemented in a single multi-level qudit to avoid resource escalation typical of multi-qubit codes. These codes can be customized to the specific physical errors on the qudit, effectively suppressing them. We demonstrate a Fault-Tolerant implementation on molecular spin qudits, showcasing nearly exponential error suppression with only linear qudit size growth. Notably, this outperforms qubit codes using thousands of units. We also outline the required properties for a generic physical system to Fault-Tolerantly implement these embedded codes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Lindblad master equation approach to the dissipative quench dynamics of planar superconductors

We employ the Lindblad master equation method to study the nonequilibrium dynamics following a parametric quench in the Hamiltonian of an open, two-dimensional superconducting system coupled to an external bath. Within our approach we show how, in the open system, the dissipation works as an effective stabilization mechanism in the time evolution of the system after the quench. Eventually, we evidence how the mismatch between the phases corresponding to the initial and to the final state of the system determines a dynamical phase transition between the two distinct phases. Our method allows for fully characterizing the dynamical phase transition in an open system in several cases of physical relevance, by means of a combined study of the time-dependent superconducting gap and of the fidelity between density matrices.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Strange correlators for topological quantum systems from bulk-boundary correspondence

"Strange" correlators provide a tool to detect topological phases arising in many-body models by computing the matrix elements of suitably defined two-point correlations between the states under investigation and trivial reference states. Their effectiveness depends on the choice of the adopted operators. In this paper we give a systematic procedure for this choice, discussing the advantages of choosing operators using the bulk-boundary correspondence of the systems under scrutiny. Via the scaling exponents, we directly relate the algebraic decay of the strange correlators with the scaling dimensions of gapless edge modes operators. We begin our analysis with lattice models hosting symmetry-protected topological phases and we analyze the sums of the strange correlators, pointing out that integrating their moduli substantially reduces cancellations and finite-size effects. We also analyze instances of systems hosting intrinsic topological order, as well as strange correlators between states with different nontrivial topologies. Our results for both translational and non-translational invariant cases, and in presence of on-site disorder and long-range couplings, extend the validity of the strange correlators approach for the diagnosis of topological phases of matter, and indicate a general procedure for their optimal choice.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Mutual information for fermionic systems

We study the behavior of the mutual information (MI) in various quadratic fermionic chains, with and without pairing terms and both with short- and long-range hoppings. The models considered include the short-range limit and long-range versions of the Kitaev model as well, and also cases in which the area law for the entanglement entropy is - logarithmically or non-logarithmically - violated. In all cases surveyed, when the area law is violated at most logarithmically, the MI is a monotonically increasing function of the conformal four-point ratio x. Where non-logarithmic violations of the area law are present, non-monotonic features can be observed in the MI and the four-point ratio, as well as other natural combinations of the parameters, is found not to be sufficient to capture the whole structure of the MI with a collapse onto a single curve. We interpret this behavior as a sign that the structure of peaks is related to a non-universal spatial configuration of Bell pairs. For the model exhibiting a perfect volume law, the MI vanishes identically. For the Kitaev model the MI is vanishing for x -> 0 and it remains zero up to a finite x in the gapped case. In general, a larger range of the pairing corresponds to a reduction of the MI at small x. A discussion of the comparison with the results obtained by the AdS/CFT correspondence in the strong coupling limit is presented.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Robust multipartite entanglement in dirty topological wires

Identifying and characterizing quantum phases of matter in the presence of long range correlations and/or spatial disorder is, generally, a challenging and relevant task. Here, we study a generalization of the Kiteav chain with variable-range pairing and different site-dependence of the chemical potential, addressing commensurable and incommensurable modulations as well as Anderson disorder. In particular, we analyze multipartite entanglement (ME) in the ground state of the dirty topological wires by studying the scaling of the quantum Fisher information (QFI) with the system's size. For nearest-neighbour pairing the Heisenberg scaling of the QFI is found in one-to-one correspondence with topological phases hosting Majorana modes. For finite-range pairing, we recognize long-range phases by the super-extensive scaling of the QFI and characterize complex lobe-structured phase diagrams. Overall, we observe that ME is robust against finite strengths of spatial inhomogeneity. This work contributes to establish ME as a central quantity to study intriguing aspects of topological systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Out of equilibrium charge transport in molecular electronic devices

Using the Lindblad equation approach, we study the nonequilibrium stationary state of a benzene ring connected to two reservoirs in the large bias regime, a prototype of a generic molecular electronic device. We show the emergence of an optimal working point (corresponding to a change in the monotonicity of the stationary current, as a function of the applied bias) and its robustness against chemical potential and bond disorder.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Tunable spin/charge Kondo effect at a double superconducting island connected to two spinless quantum wires

We propose that a pertinently engineered double superconducting island connected to two spinless one-dimensional conducting leads can work as a tunable (iso)spin Kondo and charge Kondo system, with the lead index regarded as an effective isospin degree of freedom. We evidence how, by tuning a single gate voltage applied to the island, it is possible to make the system switch from the (iso)spin Kondo to the charge-Kondo phase, passing across an intermediate phase, in which the Kondo impurity is effectively irrelevant for the low-temperature behavior of the system. Eventually, we evidence how to probe the various phases by measuring the ac conductance tensor of our system, by emphasizing the features that should allow to identify the onset of the so far quite elusive "charge-2" charge-Kondo effect.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Supersensitive quantum sensor based on criticality in an antiferromagnetic spinor condensate

We consider an antiferromagnetic Bose-Einstein condensate in a traverse magnetic field with a fixed macroscopic magnetization. The system exhibits two different critical behaviors corresponding to transitions from polar to broken-axisymmetry and from antiferromagnetic to broken-axisymmetry phases depending on the value of magnetization. We exploit both types of system criticality as a resource in the precise estimation of control parameter value. We quantify the achievable precision by the quantum Fisher information. We demonstrate supersensitivity and show that the precision scales with the number of atoms up to $N^4$ around critically. In addition, we study the precision based on the error-propagation formula providing the simple-to-measure signal which coincides its scaling with the quantum Fisher information. Finally, we take into account the effect of non-zero temperature and show that the sub-shot noise sensitivity in the estimation of the control parameter is achievable in the low-temperature limit.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2019

Field theory approach to the quantum transport in Weyl semimetals

We analyze the structure of the surface states and Fermi arcs of Weyl semimetals as a function of the boundary conditions parameterizing the Hamiltonian self-adjoint extensions of a minimal model with two Weyl points. These boundary conditions determine both the pseudospin polarization of the system on the surface and the shape of the associated Fermi arcs. We analytically derive the expectation values of the density profile of the surface current, we evaluate the anomalous Hall conductivity as a function of temperature and chemical potential and we discuss the surface current correlation functions and their contribution to the thermal noise. Based on a lattice variant of the model, we numerically study the surface states at zero temperature and we show that their polarization and, consequently, their transport properties, can be varied by suitable Zeeman terms localized on the surface. We also provide an estimate of the bulk conductance of the system based on the Landauer-Büttiker approach. Finally, we analyze the surface anomalous thermal Hall conductivity and we show that the boundary properties lead to a correction of the expected universal thermal Hall conductivity, thus violating the Wiedemann-Franz law.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Multicomponent meson superfluids in chiral perturbation theory

We show that the multicomponent meson systems can be described by chiral perturbation theory. We chiefly focus on a system of two pion gases at different isospin chemical potential, deriving the general expression of the chiral Lagrangian, the ground state properties and the spectrum of the low-energy excitations. We consider two different kinds of interactions between the two meson gases: one which does not lock the two chiral symmetry groups and one which does lock them. The former is a kind of interaction that has already been discussed in mutlicomponent superfluids. The latter is perhaps more interesting, because seems to be related to an instability. Although the pressure of the system does not show any instability, we find that for sufficiently strong locking, the spectrum of one Bogolyubov mode becomes tachyonic. This unstable branch seems to indicate a transition to an inhomogeneous phase.

hep-ph↗