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arXiv · 1708.05014

Boundary time crystals

F. Iemini·A. Russomanno·J. Keeling·M. Schirò·M. Dalmonte·R. Fazio
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Abstract

In this work we introduce {\it boundary time-crystals}. Here {\it continuous} time-translation symmetry breaking occurs only in a macroscopic fraction of a many-body quantum system. After introducing their definition and properties, we analyse in detail a solvable model where an accurate scaling analysis can be performed. The existence of the boundary time crystals is intimately connected to the emergence of a time-periodic steady state in the thermodynamic limit of a many-body open quantum system. We also discuss connections to quantum synchronisation.

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F. Iemini, A. Russomanno, J. Keeling, M. Schirò, M. Dalmonte, R. Fazio. 2017-08-16. Boundary time crystals. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.121.035301

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