Quantum quench in c = 1 matrix model and emergent space-times

Abstract

We consider quantum quench in large-N singlet sector quantum mechanics of a single hermitian matrix in the double scaling limit. The time dependent parameter is the self-coupling of the matrix. We find exact classical solutions of the collective field theory of the eigenvalue density with abrupt and smooth quench profiles which asymptote to constant couplings at early and late times, and with the system initially in its ground state. With adiabatic initial conditions we find that adiabaticity is always broken regardless of the quench speed. In a class of quench profiles the saddle point solution for the collective field diverges at a finite time, and a further time evolution becomes ambiguous. However the underlying matrix model expressed in terms of fermions predict a smooth time evolution across this point. By studying fluctuations around the saddle point solution we interpret the emergent space-times. They generically have spacelike boundaries where the couplings of the fluctuations diverge and the semi-classical description fails. Only for very finely tuned quench profiles, the space-time is normal.