On computing non-equilibrium dynamics following a quench

Computing the non-equilibrium dynamics that follows a quantum quench is difficult, even in exactly solvable models. Results are often predicated on the ability to compute overlaps between the initial state and eigenstates of the Hamiltonian that governs time evolution. Except for a handful of known cases, it is generically not possible to find these overlaps analytically. Here we develop a numerical approach to preferentially generate the states with high overlaps for a quantum quench starting from the ground state or an excited state of an initial Hamiltonian. We use these preferentially generated states, in combination with a "high overlap states truncation scheme" and a modification of the numerical renormalization group, to compute non-equilibrium dynamics following a quench in the Lieb-Liniger model. The method is non-perturbative, works for reasonable numbers of particles, and applies to both continuum and lattice systems. It can also be easily extended to more complicated scenarios, including those with integrability breaking.

Analytically Solvable Models and Physically Realizable Solutions to Some Problems in Nonlinear Wave Dynamics of Cylindrical Shells

The axially symmetric propagation of bending waves in a thin Timoshenko-type cylindrical shell, interacting with a nonlinear elastic Winkler medium, is herein studied. With the help of asymptotic integration, two analytically solvable models were obtained that have no physically realizable solitary wave solutions. The possibility for the real existence of exact solutions, in the form of traveling periodic waves of the nonlinear inhomogeneous Klein–Gordon equation, was established. Two cases were identified, which enabled the development of the modulation instability of periodic traveling waves: (1) a shell preliminarily compressed along a generatrix, surrounded by an elastic medium with hard nonlinearity, and (2) a preliminarily stretched shell interacting with an elastic medium with soft nonlinearity.

Fluctuations in heat engines

At the dawn of thermodynamics, Carnot's constraint on efficiency of heat engines stimulated the formulation of one of the most universal physical principles, the second law of thermodynamics. In recent years, the field of heat engines acquired a new twist due to enormous efforts to develop and describe microscopic machines based on systems as small as single atoms. At microscales, fluctuations are an inherent part of dynamics and thermodynamic variables such as work and heat fluctuate. Novel probabilistic formulations of the second law imply general symmetries and limitations for the fluctuating output power and efficiency of the small heat engines.} Will their complete understanding ignite a similar revolution as the discovery of the second law? Here, we review the known general results concerning fluctuations in the performance of small heat engines. To make the discussion more transparent, we illustrate the main abstract findings on exactly solvable models and provide a thorough theoretical introduction for newcomers to the field.

Interaction between Different Kinds of Quantum Phase Transitions

We employ two different Lipkin-like, exactly solvable models so as to display features of the competition between different fermion–fermion quantum interactions (at finite temperatures). One of our two interactions mimics the pairing interaction responsible for superconductivity. The other interaction is a monopole one that resembles the so-called quadrupole one, much used in nuclear physics as a residual interaction. The pairing versus monopole effects here observed afford for some interesting insights into the intricacies of the quantum many body problem, in particular with regards to so-called quantum phase transitions (strictly, level crossings).