Dynamical symmetries and crossovers in a three-spin system with collective dissipation. (20th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pigeon, S; Xuereb, A; Lesanovsky, I; Garrahan, J P; Chiara, G De; Paternostro, M
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 17:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Publication Date: 2015-01-20
• Subjects: open quantum system -- large deviation theory -- spin system; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/17/1/015010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: We consider the non-equilibrium dynamics of a simple system consisting of interacting spin-1/2 particles subjected to a collective damping. The model is close to situations that can be engineered in hybrid electro/opto-mechanical settings. Making use of large-deviation theory, we find a Gallavotti–Cohen symmetry in the dynamics of the system as well as evidence for the coexistence of two dynamical phases with different activity levels. We show that additional damping processes smooth out this behavior. Our analytical results are backed up by Monte Carlo simulations that reveal the nature of the trajectories contributing to the different dynamical phases.