Relaxation dynamics of the critical Rabi model

• Grant number: 18/09472-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2018
• End date: July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Teixeira Landi
• Grantee: Gabriel Oliveira Alves
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The physics of systems out of equilibrium is one of the most widely researched topics nowadays. One of the interesting aspects of such problems is that it brings into light links between topics thus far considered disconnected. This is the case of the so-called critical Rabi model. The Rabi model was originally introduced in the context of atomic physics and describes the interaction between a single mode of radiation and a single two-level atom. Recently, however, it was been observed that under appropriate conditions, this model may also present a quantum phase transition to a superradiant phase [Phys. Rev. Lett., 115, 180404 (2015)]. This result has opened several new avenues of research since they allow for the study of properties such as criticality and universality, previously restricted to the realm of statistical mechanics, in platforms of quantum information, such as trapped ions. The goal of this project is to study the dynamical aspects of the critical Rabi model, with and without dissipation. In particular, the focus will be on the relaxation dynamics after non-equilibrium quenches. After reproducing well known results in the literature, we propose to study how squeezing of the radiation affects the dynamics. This project was chosen so as to deal with an extremely recent problem of great current relevance. In addition, it will allow the student to become the student to become familiar with a series of concepts important in the area of quantum information, statistical mechanics and quantum optics, hence being valuable for the general formation of the student.