Non-equilibrium quantum dynamics after local quenches

Understand

We study the quantum dynamics resulting from preparing a one-dimensional quantum system in the ground state of initially two decoupled parts which are then joined together (local quench).

• Specifically we focus on the transverse Ising chain and compute the time-dependence of the magnetization profile, m_l(t), and correlation functions at the critical point, in the ferromagnetically ordered phase and in the paramagnetic phase.
• At the critical point we find finite size scaling forms for the nonequilibrium magnetization and compare predictions of conformal field theory with our numerical results.
• In the ferromagnetic phase the magnetization profiles are well matched by our predictions from a quasi-classical calculation.