SciPost logo

Mapping a dissipative quantum spin chain onto a generalized Coulomb gas

Oscar Bouverot-Dupuis

SciPost Phys. 17, 130 (2024) · published 11 November 2024

Abstract

An XXZ spin chain at zero magnetization is subject to spatially correlated baths acting as dissipation. We show that the low-energy excitations of this model are described by a dissipative sine-Gordon field theory, i.e. a sine-Gordon action with an additional long-range interaction emerging from dissipation. The field theory is then exactly mapped onto a generalized Coulomb gas which, in addition to the usual integer charges, displays half-integer charges that originate from the dissipative baths. These new charges come in pairs linked by a charge independent logarithmic interaction. In the Coulomb gas picture, we identify a Berezinsky–Kosterlitz–Thouless-like phase transition corresponding to the binding of charges and derive the associated perturbative renormalization group equations. For superohmic baths, the transition is due to the binding of the integer charges, while for subohmic baths, it is due to the binding of the half-integer charges, thereby signaling a dissipation-induced transition.


Ontology / Topics

See full Ontology or Topics database.

Bosonization Coulomb gas formalism

Author / Affiliations: mappings to Contributors and Organizations

See all Organizations.