arXiv subjects

Roderich Moessner

Publications and source records attributed to Roderich Moessner.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Disorder-induced delocalization and reentrance in a Chern-Hopf insulator

The Chern-Hopf insulator is an unconventional three-dimensional topological insulator with a bulk gap and gapless boundary states without protection from global discrete symmetries. This study investigates its fate in the presence of disorder. We find it stable up to moderate disorder by analyzing the surface states and the zero energy bulk density of states using large-scale numerical simulation and the self-consistent Born approximation. The disordered Chern-Hopf insulator shows reentrant behavior: the disorder initially enhances the topological phase before driving it across an insulator-diffusive metal transition. We examine the associated critical exponents via finite-size scaling of the bulk density of states, participation entropy, and two-terminal conductance. We estimate the correlation length exponent $ν\simeq 1.0(1)$, consistent with the clean two-dimensional Chern universality and distinct from the integer quantum Hall exponent.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2024

Topological Edge State Nucleation in Frequency Space and its Realization with Floquet Electrical Circuits

We build Floquet-driven capactive circuit networks to realize topological states of matter in the frequency domain. We find the Floquet circuit network equations of motion to reveal a potential barrier which effectively acts as a boundary in frequency space. By implementing a Su-Shrieffer-Heeger Floquet lattice model and measuring the associated circuit Laplacian and characteristic resonances, we demonstrate how topological edge modes can nucleate at such a frequency boundary.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Adaptive Trotterization for time-dependent Hamiltonian quantum dynamics using piecewise conservation laws

Digital quantum simulation relies on Trotterization to discretize time evolution into elementary quantum gates. On current quantum processors with notable gate imperfections, there is a critical tradeoff between improved accuracy for finer timesteps, and increased error rate on account of the larger circuit depth. We present an adaptive Trotterization algorithm to cope with time-dependent Hamiltonians, where we propose a concept of piecewise "conserved" quantities to estimate errors in the time evolution between two (nearby) points in time; these allow us to bound the errors accumulated over the full simulation period. They reduce to standard conservation laws in the case of time-independent Hamiltonians, for which we first developed an adaptive Trotterization scheme [PRX Quantum 4, 030319]. We validate the algorithm for a time-dependent quantum spin chain, demonstrating that it can outperform the conventional Trotter algorithm with a fixed step size at a controlled error.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Meandering conduction channels and the tunable nature of quantized charge transport

The discovery of the quantum Hall effect founded the field of topological condensed matter physics. Its amazingly accurate quantisation of the Hall conductance, now enshrined in quantum metrology, is topologically protected: it is stable against any reasonable perturbation. Conversely, topological protection thus implies a form of censorship, as it completely hides any local information from the observer. The spatial distribution of the current in the sample is such a piece of information, which however has now become accessible thanks to spectacular experimental advances. It is an old question whether an original, and intuitively compelling, picture of the current flowing in a narrow channel along the sample edge is the physically correct one. Motivated by recent experiments $\textit{locally}$ imaging the quantized current flow in a Chern insulating (Bi, Sb)$_2$Te$_3$ heterostructure, [Rosen et al., PRL 129, 246602 (2022); Ferguson et.al, Nat. Mater. 22, 1100-1105 (2023)], we theoretically demonstrate the possibility of a broad `edge state' meandering away from the sample boundary deep into the sample bulk. Further, we show that varying experimental parameters permits continuously tuning between narrow edge states and meandering channels all the way to incompressible bulk transport. This accounts for various features observed in, and differing between, experiments. Overall, this underscores the robustness of topological condensed matter physics, but it also unveils a phenomenological richness hidden by topological censorship -- much of which we believe remains to be discovered.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Learning effective Hamiltonians for adaptive time-evolution quantum algorithms

Digital quantum simulation of many-body dynamics relies on Trotterization to decompose the target time evolution into elementary quantum gates operating at a fixed equidistant time discretization. Recent advances have outlined protocols enabling more efficient adaptive Trotter protocols, which have been shown to exhibit a controlled error in the dynamics of local observables and correlation functions. However, it has remained open to which extent the errors on the actual generator of the dynamics, i.e., the target many-body Hamiltonian, remain controlled. Here, we propose to use quantum Hamiltonian learning to numerically obtain the effective Hamiltonian and apply it on the recently introduced ADA-Trotter algorithm as a concrete demonstration. Our key observation is that deviations from the target generator remain bounded on all simulation times. This result suggests that the ADA-Trotter not only generates reliable digital quantum simulation of local dynamics, but also controllably approximates the global quantum state of the target system. Our proposal is sufficiently general and readily applicable to other adaptive time-evolution algorithms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Exploiting polarization dependence in two dimensional coherent spectroscopy: examples of Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ and Nd$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$

Two dimensional coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) probes the nonlinear optical response of correlated systems. An interesting application is the study of fractionalized excitations, which are challenging to distinguish unambiguously in linear response. Here we demonstrate how the sensitivity of optical matrix elements to variations in the photon polarization allows one to probe different aspects of low lying excitations in models of the candidate fractionalized materials Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ and Nd$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$, which host effective one-dimensional spin chains when subjected to a [110] magnetic field. We show how both fractionalized spinon excitations or conventional magnons can be picked out in the 2DCS response, and how the response from polarized spin chains can be used to probe the dipolar-octupolar mixing angle $θ$ through the relative intensity of one- and two-magnon signals. Further, we find that a $[001]$ polarization of the probe field is particularly sensitive to lower band edge of the spinon continuum and can be used as a measure of the proximity of a quantum critical point in Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$. 2DCS can thus be employed to provide invaluable and detailed information both on the constituent degrees of freedom of a quantum material and on their collective behaviour.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Observation of Hilbert-space fragmentation and fractonic excitations in two-dimensional Hubbard systems

The relaxation behaviour of isolated quantum systems taken out of equilibrium is among the most intriguing questions in many-body physics. Quantum systems out of equilibrium typically relax to thermal equilibrium states by scrambling local information and building up entanglement entropy. However, kinetic constraints in the Hamiltonian can lead to a breakdown of this fundamental paradigm due to a fragmentation of the underlying Hilbert space into dynamically decoupled subsectors in which thermalisation can be strongly suppressed. Here, we experimentally observe Hilbert space fragmentation (HSF) in a two-dimensional tilted Bose-Hubbard model. Using quantum gas microscopy, we engineer a wide variety of initial states and find a rich set of manifestations of HSF involving bulk states, interfaces and defects, i.e., d = 2, 1 and 0 dimensional objects. Specifically, uniform initial states with equal particle number and energy differ strikingly in their relaxation dynamics. Inserting controlled defects on top of a global, non-thermalising chequerboard state, we observe highly anisotropic, sub-dimensional dynamics, an immediate signature of their fractonic nature. An interface between localized and thermalising states in turn displays dynamics depending on its orientation. Our results mark the first observation of HSF beyond one dimension, as well as the concomitant direct observation of fractons, and pave the way for in-depth studies of microscopic transport phenomena in constrained systems

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2024

Dichotomous Dynamics of Magnetic Monopole Fluids

A recent advance in the study of emergent magnetic monopoles was the discovery that monopole motion is restricted to dynamical fractal trajectories (J. Hallén et al, Science 378, 1218 (2022)) thus explaining the characteristics of magnetic monopole noise spectra (Dusad, R. et al. Nature 571, 234 (2019); Samarakoon, A. M. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 119, e2117453119 (2022)). Here we apply this new theory to explore the dynamics of field-driven monopole currents, finding them comprised of two quite distinct transport processes: initially swift fractal rearrangements of local monopole configurations followed by conventional monopole diffusion. This theory also predicts a characteristic frequency dependence of the dissipative loss-angle for AC-field-driven currents. To explore these novel perspectives on monopole transport, we introduce simultaneous monopole current control and measurement techniques using SQUID-based monopole current sensors. For the canonical material Dy2Ti2O7, we measure $Φ(t)$, the time-dependence of magnetic flux threading the sample when a net monopole current $J(t) = \dotΦ(t)/μ_0$ is generated by applying an external magnetic field $B_0(t)$. These experiments find a sharp dichotomy of monopole currents, separated by their distinct relaxation time-constants before and after $t \approx 600 μs$ from monopole current initiation. Application of sinusoidal magnetic fields $B_0(t) = Bcos(ωt)$ generates oscillating monopole currents whose loss angle $θ(f)$ exhibits a characteristic transition at frequency $f \approx 1.8$ kHz over the same temperature range. Finally, the magnetic noise power is also dichotomic, diminishing sharply after $t \approx 600 μs$. This complex phenomenology represents a new form of heterogeneous dynamics generated by the interplay of fractionalization and local spin configurational symmetry.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Experimental observation of a time rondeau crystal: Temporal Disorder in Spatiotemporal Order

Our understanding of phases of matter relies on symmetry breaking, one example being water ice whose crystalline structure breaks the continuous translation symmetry of space. Recently, breaking of time translation symmetry was observed in systems not in thermal equilibrium. The associated notion of time crystallinity has led to a surge of interest, raising the question about the extent to which highly controllable quantum simulators can generate rich and tunable temporal orders, beyond the conventional classification of order in static systems. Here, we investigate different kinds of partial temporal orders, stabilized by non-periodic yet structured drives, which we call rondeau order. Using a $^{13}$C-nuclear-spin diamond quantum simulator, we report the first experimental observation of a -- tunable degree of -- short-time disorder in a system exhibiting long-time stroboscopic order. This is based on a novel spin control architecture that allows us to implement a family of drives ranging from structureless via structured random to quasiperiodic and periodic drives. Leveraging a high throughput read-out scheme, we continuously observe the spin polarization over 105 pulses to probe rondeau order, with controllable lifetimes exceeding 4 seconds. Using the freedom in the short-time temporal disorder of rondeau order, we show the capacity to encode information in the response of observables. Our work broadens the landscape of observed nonequilibrium temporal order, paving the way for new applications harnessing driven quantum matter.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Interaction-mitigated Landau damping

Bosonic collective modes are ubiquitous in metals, but over a wide range of energy and momenta suffer from Landau damping, decaying into the continuum of particle-hole excitations. Here we point out that interactions can suppress this decay, protecting a finite fraction of the total spectral weight associated with the collective mode, e.g. a plasmon. The underlying mechanism is level repulsion between a discrete mode and the continuum. We demonstrate the effect using a number of simplified models of strongly correlated Fermi-liquid metals, including a ``solvable" random flavor model in the large$-N$ limit. We discuss in detail the possibility of observing such an avoided decay for plasmons in (moiré) graphene-like systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Continuum of magnetic excitations in the Kitaev honeycomb iridate D$_3$LiIr$_2$O$_6$

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements of powder D$_3(^{7}$Li)($^{193}$Ir)$_2$O$_6$ reveal low energy magnetic excitations with a scattering cross section that is broad in $|Q|$ and consistent with a Kitaev spin-liquid (KSL) state. The magnetic nature of the excitation spectrum is demonstrated by longitudinally polarized neutron studies. The total magnetic moment of 1.7(2)$μ_B$/Ir inferred from the total magnetic scattering cross section is consistent with the effective moment inferred from magnetic susceptibility data and expectations for the $J_{\rm eff}=1/2$ single ion state. The rise in the dynamic correlation function ${\cal S}(Q,ω)$ for $\hbarω<5~$meV can be described by a nearest-neighbor Kitaev model with interaction strength $K\approx-13(5)$~meV. Exchange disorder associated with the mixed D-Li site could play an important role in stabilizing the low $T$ quantum fluctuating state.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Irrational moments and signatures of higher-rank gauge theories in diluted classical spin liquids

Classical spin liquids (CSLs) have proved to be a fruitful setting for the emergence of exotic gauge theories. Vacancy clusters in CSLs can introduce gauge charges into the system, and the resulting behavior in turn reveals the nature of the underlying theory. We study these effects for a series of CSLs on the honeycomb lattice. We find that dilution leads to the emergence of effective free spins with tuneable, and generally irrational, size. For a specific higher-rank CSL, described by a symmetric tensor gauge fields, dilution produces non-decaying spin textures with a characteristic quadrupolar angular structure, and infinite-ranged interactions between dilution clusters.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Domain wall dynamics in classical spin chains: free propagation, subdiffusive spreading, and soliton emission

The non-equilibrium dynamics of domain wall initial states in a classical anisotropic Heisenberg chain exhibits a striking coexistence of apparently linear and non-linear behaviours: the propagation and spreading of the domain wall can be captured quantitatively by \textit{linear}, i.e. non-interacting, spin wave theory absent its usual justifications; while, simultaneously, for a wide range of easy-plane anisotropies, emission can take place of stable topological solitons -- a process and objects intrinsically associated with interactions and non-linearities. The easy-axis domain wall only has transient dynamics, the isotropic one broadens diffusively, while the easy-plane one yields a pair of ballistically counter-propagating domain walls which, unusually, broaden \textit{subdiffusively}, their width scaling as $t^{1/3}$.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Thermodynamics and fractal dynamics of nematic spin ice, a doubly frustrated pyrochlore Ising magnet

The Ising antiferromagnets on the triangular and on the pyrochlore lattices are two of the most iconic examples of magnetic frustration, paradigmatically illustrating many exotic properties such as emergent gauge fields, fractionalisation, and topological order. In this work, we show that the two instances of frustration can, remarkably, be combined in a single system, where they coexist without inducing conventional long range ordering. We show that the system undergoes a first order phase transition upon lowering the temperature, into a yet different frustrated phase that we characterise to exhibit nematic order. We argue that an extensive degeneracy survives down to zero temperature, at odds with a customary Pauling estimate. Dynamically, we find evidence of anomalous noise in the power spectral density, arising from an effectively anisotropic fractal motion of monopoles at low temperature.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Population inversion and ultrafast terahertz nonlinearity of transient Dirac fermions in Cd$_3$As$_2$

Harmonic generation provides an efficient tool for the study of ultrafast nonlinear dynamics. We report on time-resolved optical-pump terahertz-harmonic-generation spectroscopic investigation of ultrafast nonlinearity in a prototypical three-dimensional Dirac semimetal Cd$_3$As$_2$. A transient population inversion characterized by excessive nonthermal Dirac electrons and holes is found to be very sensitive and responsive to a periodic terahertz drive, leading to very efficient terahertz third-harmonic generation. Based on the Boltzmann transport theory, we analyze the terahertz field-driven kinetics of the transient Dirac fermions that is responsible for the observed strong terahertz nonlinearity.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Dynamical Signatures of Symmetry Broken and Liquid Phases in an $S=1/2$ Heisenberg Antiferromagnet on the Triangular Lattice

We present the dynamical spin structure factor of the antiferromagnetic spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ $J_1-J_2$ Heisenberg model on a triangular lattice obtained from large-scale matrix-product state simulations. The high frustration due to the combination of antiferromagnetic nearest and next-to-nearest neighbour interactions yields a rich phase diagram. We resolve the low-energy excitations both in the $120^{\circ}$-ordered phase and in the putative spin liquid phase at $J_2/J_1 = 0.125$. In the ordered phase, we observe an avoided decay of the lowest magnon-branch, demonstrating the robustness of this phenomenon in the presence of gapless excitations. Our findings in the spin-liquid phase chime with the field-theoretical predictions for a gapless Dirac spin liquid, in particular the picture of low-lying monopole excitations at the corners of the Brillouin zone. We comment on possible practical difficulties of distinguishing proximate liquid and solid phases based on the dynamical structure factor.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Realization of Hilbert Space Fragmentation and Fracton Dynamics in 2D

We propose the strongly tilted Bose-Hubbard model as a natural platform to explore Hilbert-space fragmentation (HSF) and fracton dynamics in two-dimensions, in a setup and regime readily accessible in optical lattice experiments. Using a perturbative ansatz, we find HSF when the model is tuned to the resonant limit of on-site interaction and tilted potential. First, we investigate the quench dynamics of this system and observe numerically that the relaxation dynamics strongly depends on the chosen initial state -- one of the key signature of HSF. Second, we identify fractonic excitations with restricted mobility leading to anomalous transport properties. Specifically, we find excitations that show one dimensional diffusion (z = 1/2) as well as excitations that show subdiffusive behaviour in two dimensions (z = 3/4). Using a cellular automaton, we analyze their dynamics and compare to an effective hydrodynamic description.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Prethermalization in periodically-driven nonreciprocal many-body spin systems

We analyze a new class of time-periodic nonreciprocal dynamics in interacting chaotic classical spin systems, whose equations of motion are conservative (phase-space-volume-preserving) yet possess no symplectic structure. As a result, the dynamics of the system cannot be derived from any time-dependent Hamiltonian. In the high-frequency limit, we find that the magnetization dynamics features a long-lived metastable plateau, whose duration is controlled by the fourth power of the drive frequency. However, due to the lack of an effective Hamiltonian, the prethermal state the system evolves into cannot be understood within the framework of the canonical ensemble. We propose a Hamiltonian extension of the system using auxiliary degrees of freedom, in which the original spins constitute an open yet nondissipative subsystem. This allows us to perturbatively derive effective equations of motion that manifestly display symplecticity breaking at leading order in the inverse frequency. We thus extend the notion of prethermal dynamics, observed in the high-frequency limit of periodically-driven systems, to nonreciprocal systems.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗