Two-bath spin-boson model: Phase diagram and critical properties

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Benedikt Bruognolo - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Andreas Weichselbaum - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Cheng Guo - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Jan Von Delft - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Imke Schneider - , University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (Author)
  • Matthias Vojta - , Chair of Theoretical Solid State Physics (Author)

Abstract

The spin-boson model, describing a two-level system coupled to a bath of harmonic oscillators, is a generic model for quantum dissipation, with manifold applications. It has also been studied as a simple example for an impurity quantum phase transition. Here, we present a detailed study of a U(1)-symmetric two-bath spin-boson model, where two different components of an SU(2) spin 12 are coupled to separate dissipative baths. Nontrivial physics arises from the competition of the two dissipation channels, resulting in a variety of phases and quantum phase transitions. We employ a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to determine the properties of both the stable phases and the quantum critical points. In particular, we find a critical intermediate-coupling phase which is bounded by a continuous quantum phase transition which violates the quantum-to-classical correspondence.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number245130
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume90
Issue number24
Publication statusPublished - 18 Dec 2014
Peer-reviewedYes