Quantum processes can be described in terms of a quasiprobability distribution (the Wigner distribution) analogous to the phase-space probability distribution of the classical realm. In contrast to the incomplete glimpse of the wave function that is achievable in a single shot experiment, the Wigner distribution, accessible by quantum state tomography, reflects the full quantum state. We show that during the fundamental symmetry-breaking process of a generic quantum system, with a symmetry-breaking field driving the quantum system far from equilibrium, the Wigner distribution evolves continuously with the system undergoing a sequence of revivals into the symmetry-unbroken state, followed by collapses onto a quasiclassical state akin to the one realized in infinite-size systems. We show that generically this state is completely delocalized both in momentum and in real space. © 2013 American Physical Society.

Quantum collapses and revivals of matter wave in dynamics of symmetry breaking

Ortix, Carmine
2013-01-01

Abstract

Quantum processes can be described in terms of a quasiprobability distribution (the Wigner distribution) analogous to the phase-space probability distribution of the classical realm. In contrast to the incomplete glimpse of the wave function that is achievable in a single shot experiment, the Wigner distribution, accessible by quantum state tomography, reflects the full quantum state. We show that during the fundamental symmetry-breaking process of a generic quantum system, with a symmetry-breaking field driving the quantum system far from equilibrium, the Wigner distribution evolves continuously with the system undergoing a sequence of revivals into the symmetry-unbroken state, followed by collapses onto a quasiclassical state akin to the one realized in infinite-size systems. We show that generically this state is completely delocalized both in momentum and in real space. © 2013 American Physical Society.
2013
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11386/4706799
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