Quench-Probe Setup as Analyzer of Fractionalized Entanglement Spreading

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nicolas P. Bauer - , University of Würzburg, Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Author)
  • Jan Carl Budich - , Chair of Quantum Many-Body Theory, Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Author)
  • Björn Trauzettel - , University of Würzburg, Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Author)
  • Alessio Calzona - , University of Würzburg, Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Author)

Abstract

We propose a novel spatially inhomogeneous setup for revealing quench-induced fractionalized excitations in entanglement dynamics. In this quench-probe setting, the region undergoing a quantum quench is tunnel coupled to a static region, the probe. Subsequently, the time-dependent entanglement signatures of a tunable subset of excitations propagating to the probe are monitored by energy selectivity. We exemplify the power of this generic approach by identifying a unique dynamical signature associated with the presence of an isolated Majorana zero mode in the postquench Hamiltonian. In this case excitations emitted from the topological part of the system give rise to a fractionalized jump of log(2)/2 in the entanglement entropy of the probe. This dynamical effect is highly sensitive to the localized nature of the Majorana zero mode, but does not require the preparation of a topological initial state.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number190401
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume130
Issue number19
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37243652

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas