Author:
Xu Xiao-Ye,Wang Qin-Qin,Heyl Markus,Budich Jan Carl,Pan Wei-Wei,Chen Zhe,Jan Munsif,Sun Kai,Xu Jin-Shi,Han Yong-Jian,Li Chuan-Feng,Guo Guang-Can
Abstract
AbstractQuantum processes of inherent dynamical nature, such as quantum walks, defy a description in terms of an equilibrium statistical physics ensemble. Until now, identifying the general principles behind the underlying unitary quantum dynamics has remained a key challenge. Here, we show and experimentally observe that split-step quantum walks admit a characterization in terms of a dynamical topological order parameter (DTOP). This integer-quantized DTOP measures, at a given time, the winding of the geometric phase accumulated by the wavefunction during a quantum walk. We observe distinct dynamical regimes in our experimentally realized quantum walks, and each regime can be attributed to a qualitatively different temporal behavior of the DTOP. Upon identifying an equivalent many-body problem, we reveal an intriguing connection between the nonanalytic changes of the DTOP in quantum walks and the occurrence of dynamical quantum phase transitions.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Cited by
47 articles.
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