Quenching a quantum critical state by the order parameter: Dynamical quantum phase transitions and quantum speed limits

Abstract

Quantum critical states exhibit strong quantum fluctuations and are therefore highly susceptible to perturbations. In this work we study the dynamical stability against a sudden coupling to these strong fluctuations by quenching the order parameter of the underlying transition. Such a quench can generate superextensive energy fluctuations. This leads to a dynamical quantum phase transition (DQPT) with nonanalytic real-time behavior in the resulting decay of the initial state. By establishing a general connection between DQPTs and quantum speed limits, this allows us to obtain a yet unrecognized quantum speed limit with unconventional system size dependence. These findings are illustrated for the one-dimensional and the infinitely-connected transverse-field Ising model. The main concepts, however, are general and can be applied also to other critical states. An outlook is given onto the implications of the superextensive energy fluctuations on potential restricted thermalization despite of nonintegrability.