Initial-State-Dictated Dynamical Universality Classes in Quantum Criticality

Abstract

The concept of universality class lies at the core of phase transition physics, with each class uniquely characterized by a dedicated set of critical exponents. Here, we introduce the concept of initial-state-dictated dynamical universality classes in nonequilibrium quantum critical dynamics. By studying the imaginary-time relaxation dynamics of the dimerized Heisenberg model, we demonstrate that distinct kinds of initial states can give rise to different dynamical universality classes within the same equilibrium universality class. Specifically, we find that "classical'' paramagnetic (random-spin) and "quantum'' paramagnetic (dimerized and antidimerized) initial states yield drastically different critical initial slip exponents in the bulk. This initial-state dependence also extends to boundary critical dynamics, where different initial states yield different surface critical initial slip exponents even within the same boundary universality class. Remarkably, for the antidimerized initial state, we uncover an anomalous scaling law violating the conventional relation between the bulk and surface critical initial slip exponents. Our results establish an initial-state-controlled dynamical classification of quantum criticality that extends beyond the conventional equilibrium universality paradigm.