Project description
Non-equilibrium phenomena in many-body quantum systems
The study of the non-equilibrium dynamics of magnetic degrees of freedom has shown remarkable progress over the past two decades. An important challenge is to characterise the complexity of quantum dynamics in many-body systems out of equilibrium. The EU-funded DynaQuanta project plans to study the non-equilibrium dynamics in a number of well-selected quantum spin systems, utilising a novel and powerful experimental technique – time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy under extreme conditions. The focus will be on novel quantum phenomena difficult to detect in equilibrium states such as complex many-body bound states; properties of exotic quantum states such as quantum spin liquids and quantum critical phases; and the control of the non-equilibrium and nonlinear response of quantum spin states.
Objective
The study of non-equilibrium dynamics of magnetic degrees of freedom has shown remarkable progress over the past two decades. This is in particular true concerning the understanding of ultrafast magnetization dynamics in classical magnets. In contrast, the field of non-equilibrium spin dynamics of many-body quantum magnetic systems is still in its infancy. Despite a number of ground-breaking recent theoretical proposals, experimental studies in this direction are truly scarce and this research field is a largely unexplored territory.
Here I propose to study non-equilibrium dynamics in a number of well-selected quantum spin systems, utilizing a novel and powerful experimental technique – time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy under extreme conditions. By carrying out the here proposed program of non-equilibrium and nonlinear studies on low-dimensional and/or frustrated quantum magnets, I aim to explore and reveal novel physics and the governing fundamental principles for the non-equilibrium quantum spin dynamics. Firstly, I aim to realize novel quantum phenomena and quantum effects, which are difficult to be detected in the equilibrium state, such as complex many-body bound states. Secondly, I will explore novel characteristics for exotic quantum states like quantum spin liquids and quantum critical phases in the nonlinear response regime, by driving the quantum disordered states far from equilibrium. Thirdly, I aim to tune and control the non-equilibrium and nonlinear response of the quantum spin states either by the terahertz electromagnetic fields directly or via coupling to other degrees of freedom, such as phonons. Gaining momentum from the on-going intensive theoretical studies and based on my previous work in the field of quantum spin systems, I anticipate a productive, impactful, and successful research project exploring the new physics offered by non-equilibrium quantum spin systems.
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Funding Scheme
ERC-STG - Starting GrantHost institution
44227 Dortmund
Germany