Real-time broadening of bath-induced density profiles from closed-system correlation functions

Area of Science:

• Quantum mechanics
• Condensed matter physics
• Open quantum systems

Background:

• The Lindblad master equation is a key tool for studying open quantum systems.
• While steady states are well-studied, the dynamics leading to them are less understood.
• Investigating nonequilibrium dynamics is crucial for a complete picture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the nonequilibrium dynamics of spin chains coupled to a Lindblad bath.
• To analyze the transport properties of induced magnetization in these systems.
• To connect the Lindblad approach with linear response theory at finite times.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing typicality and equilibration arguments.
• Employing stochastic unraveling techniques.
• Analyzing spin-1/2 XXZ chains numerically.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that weak driving in open systems can be constructed from closed system correlation functions.
• Established a strict agreement between closed and open quantum transport approaches.
• Observed superdiffusive and diffusive scaling in different regimes of the spin-1/2 XXZ chain.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a novel connection between Lindblad dynamics and linear response theory.
• Confirms the validity of this connection through numerical simulations of spin chains.
• Offers insights into the fundamental mechanisms of quantum transport in open systems.