From Non-Hermitian Linear Response to Dynamical Correlations and Fluctuation-Dissipation Relations in Quantum Many-Body Systems

Quantum many-body systems are characterized by their correlations. While equal-time correlators and unequal-time commutators between operators are standard observables, the direct access to unequal-time anticommutators poses a formidable experimental challenge. Here, we propose a general technique f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PRX quantum 2022-07, Vol.3 (3), p.030308, Article 030308
Main Authors: Geier, Kevin T., Hauke, Philipp
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Quantum many-body systems are characterized by their correlations. While equal-time correlators and unequal-time commutators between operators are standard observables, the direct access to unequal-time anticommutators poses a formidable experimental challenge. Here, we propose a general technique for measuring unequal-time anticommutators using the linear response of a system to a non-Hermitian perturbation. We illustrate the protocol at the example of a Bose-Hubbard model, where the approach to thermal equilibrium in a closed quantum system can be tracked by measuring both sides of the fluctuation-dissipation relation. We relate the scheme to the quantum Zeno effect and weak measurements, and illustrate possible implementations at the example of a cold-atom system. Our proposal provides a way of characterizing dynamical correlations in quantum many-body systems with potential applications in understanding strongly correlated matter as well as for novel quantum technologies.
ISSN:2691-3399
2691-3399
DOI:10.1103/PRXQuantum.3.030308