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Title: Adiabatic-impulse approximation for avoided level crossings: From phase-transition dynamics to Landau-Zener evolutions and back again

Journal Article · · Physical Review. A
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVA.73.0· OSTI ID:20787529
;  [1]
  1. Theory Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS-B213, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)

We show that a simple approximation based on concepts underlying the Kibble-Zurek theory of second order phase-transition dynamics can be used to treat avoided level crossing problems. The approach discussed in this paper provides an intuitive insight into quantum dynamics of two-level systems, and may serve as a link between the theory of dynamics of classical and quantum phase transitions. To illustrate these ideas we analyze dynamics of a paramagnet-ferromagnet quantum phase transition in the Ising model. We also present exact unpublished solutions of the Landau-Zener-like problems.

OSTI ID:
20787529
Journal Information:
Physical Review. A, Vol. 73, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.73.063405; (c) 2006 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English