Research: Quantum Dynamics and Information

The Quantum Dynamics and Information group is centered around interdisciplinary subjects in theoretical condensed matter physics and quantum information science, with a specific focus on investigating out-of-equilibrium quantum many-particle systems. Understanding the non-equilibrium dynamics of quantum systems is at the forefront of current research. These non-equilibrium systems not only serve as ideal testing grounds for fundamental theoretical questions like applicability of quantum statistical mechanics and thermalisation, but also the most indispensable situation one needs to deal with in real life application, ranging from the evolution of the early universe to the operation of active electronic devices, biological systems and quantum information devices. In the context of quantum systems, thanks to recent experimental advancement in realising highly tunable interacting many body Hamiltonians in ultracold atomic systems and pump-probe experiments with ultrafast probes in traditional material based systems, one can now observe the non-equilibrium dynamics in a controlled manner. 

Research efforts in this group are broadly motivated to address timely questions like, 

(a) under what conditions, a system driven out of equilibrium, relax to a thermal state, 

(b) while it is known that systems like integrable systems, many body localised systems fail to thermalise in long time limit, does there exist any universal but non-thermal description in the long time limit? 

In open quantum systems, which can exchange energy/particles with an external reservoir/bath, 

(c) how does a driven dissipative system approach to non-equilibrium steady state?, 

(d) can we engineer exotic non-equilibrium states in quantum matter by manipulating it with external fields, such as light?