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Discrete Time Crystals: Rigidity, Criticality, and Realizations
N Y Yao1, A C Potter1,2, I-D Potirniche1
1Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
We show that discrete time crystals, forbidden in equilibrium, can emerge in periodically driven systems. This study reveals their rigidity and proposes a realizable ion-based experimental blueprint.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Non-equilibrium dynamics
Background:
- Spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry is forbidden in equilibrium.
- Periodically driven (Floquet) systems with discrete time-translation symmetry can exhibit time crystals.
- Discrete time crystals have quantized periods arising from synchronization and many-body localization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate a simple model for a one-dimensional discrete time crystal.
- Analyze the rigidity of emergent oscillations with varying drive parameters.
- Map the phase diagram and study the dynamical phase transition to a Floquet insulator.
Main Methods:
- Numerical phase diagram mapping.
- Calculation of dynamical phase transition properties.
- Proposal of an experimental realization using trapped ions.
Main Results:
- The model exhibits rigidity in emergent oscillations.
- The phase diagram reveals a transition to a Floquet insulator.
- Experimental realization with trapped ions is feasible, including identification of phase boundaries.
Conclusions:
- Discrete time crystals are robust phenomena in driven quantum systems.
- The proposed ion-chain model offers a pathway for experimental verification.
- A measurable signature for the symmetry-breaking phase transition is identified.
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