SciPost Submission Page
Kinetics of Quantum Reaction-Diffusion systems
by Federico Gerbino, Igor Lesanovsky, Gabriele Perfetto
Submission summary
| Authors (as registered SciPost users): | Federico Gerbino · Gabriele Perfetto |
| Submission information | |
|---|---|
| Preprint Link: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.20028v1 (pdf) |
| Date submitted: | 2024-07-11 17:55 |
| Submitted by: | Perfetto, Gabriele |
| Submitted to: | SciPost Physics |
| Ontological classification | |
|---|---|
| Academic field: | Physics |
| Specialties: |
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| Approach: | Theoretical |
Abstract
We discuss many-body fermionic and bosonic systems subject to dissipative particle losses in arbitrary spatial dimensions $d$, within the Keldysh path-integral formulation of the quantum master equation. This open quantum dynamics represents a generalisation of classical reaction-diffusion dynamics to the quantum realm. We first show how initial conditions can be introduced in the Keldysh path integral via boundary terms. We then study binary annihilation reactions $A+A\to\emptyset$, for which we derive a Boltzmann-like kinetic equation. The ensuing algebraic decay in time for the particle density depends on the particle statistics. In order to model possible experimental implementations with cold atoms, for fermions in $d=1$ we further discuss inhomogeneous cases involving the presence of a trapping potential. In this context, we quantify the irreversibility of the dynamics studying the time evolution of the system entropy for different quenches of the trapping potential. We find that the system entropy features algebraic decay for confining quenches, while it saturates in deconfined scenarios.
Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations
- Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
- Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
- Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
- Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block
Current status:
Reports on this Submission
Report
The manuscript provides a thorough and insightful analysis of open quantum systems with dissipative particle losses, addressing an important area at the intersection of quantum many-body physics and reaction-diffusion dynamics. By employing the Keldysh path-integral approach, the authors effectively generalize classical reaction-diffusion dynamics to the quantum domain.
The paper’s structure is clear and logical, guiding readers through the technicalities of Keldish path integral. The authors' derivation of a Boltzmann-like kinetic equation and analysis of particle density decay rates as a function of particle statistics represents a valuable contribution.
One particularly commendable aspect is the consideration of spatial inhomogeneity through the introduction of a trapping potential and the calculation of the dynamics of entanglement entropies.
Overall, this paper presents well-founded results that are likely to stimulate further theoretical and experimental work in open quantum dynamics.
I found the presentation and the clarity of the paper exemplary. Moreover, while some of the material was already presented in Ref. 56, the paper discusses new aspects, such as the entanglement entropies. Therefore I recommend publication is Scipost Phys. Concerning the entropies I think that the authors should compare their results with the framework developed in
Phys. Rev. B 105, 144305 (2022)
Phys. Rev. B 103, 020302 (2021)
and with
SciPost Phys. 12, 011 (2022)
where the case of localised sources of dissipation is
investigated.
Recommendation
Publish (meets expectations and criteria for this Journal)
Report
I read the manuscript with great interest, and I believe that, while this submission does not meet the criteria for SciPost Physics, it would be more suited for SciPost Physics Lecture Notes, where it could potentially be published.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this work, as it provides a comprehensive introduction and review of the results related to the Keldysh path integral formulation of reaction-diffusion systems. A topic that I consider important and timely.
My primary concern regarding the publication of this work (as also acknowledged by the authors several times) is that it primarily offers a more systematic presentation of the results from Ref. [56] with only minimal developments beyond them. However, I do believe that the paper succeeds in delivering a pedagogical and complete introduction to the results of Ref. [56], produced by the same authors. Therefore, I recommend its publication in SciPost Physics Lecture Notes.
Recommendation
Accept in alternative Journal (see Report)