Defect Formation Preempts Dynamical Symmetry Breaking in Closed Quantum Systems
arXiv:1103.3208 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.84.144423
Abstract
We show that no matter how slowly a quantum-to-classical symmetry breaking process is driven, the adiabatic limit can never be reached in a macroscopic body. Massive defect formation preempts an adiabatic quantum-classical crossover and triggers the appearance of a symmetric non-equilibrium state that recursively collapses into the classical state, breaking the symmetry at punctured times. The presence of this state allows the quantum-classical transition to be investigated and controlled in mesoscopic devices by supplying externally the proper dynamical symmetry breaking perturbation.
4 pages, 4 figures
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