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arXiv · 2607.11206

Unique temporal scaling dimension for quantum criticality in open systems weakly coupled to environment

Abstract

Probing, understanding, predicting, and controlling the real-time dynamics of quantum phase transitions in open systems are of pivotal importance to modern condensed matter physics, statistical physics, and quantum computing, among others. Here it is argued that a distinct temporal renormalization-group eigenvalue is needed for quantum criticality in open systems weakly coupled to their finite-temperature environment. This new physics enables the formulation of a general scaling theory that can accurately account for the critical properties including the specific Kibble-Zurek scaling in such open quantum systems. Remarkably, the critical exponents of time-related quantities are altered nonperturbatively regardless of how weak the coupling is, except for an Ohmic bath. Perspectives for future study are also discussed.

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Fan Zhong. 2026-07-13. Unique temporal scaling dimension for quantum criticality in open systems weakly coupled to environment. https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.11206

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