Abstract :
[en] We introduce a gravitational lattice theory defined in an AdS3 black hole background that provides a holographic dual description of the linear-to-zigzag structural phase transition, characterized by the spontaneous breaking of parity symmetry observed in, e.g., confined Coulomb crystals. The transition from the high-symmetry linear phase to the broken-symmetry doubly degenerate zigzag phase can be driven by quenching the coupling between adjacent sites through the critical point. An analysis of the equilibrium correlation length and relaxation time reveals mean-field critical exponents. We explore the nonequilibrium phase transition dynamics leading to kink formation. The kink density obeys universal scaling laws in the limit of slow quenches, described by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM), and at fast quenches, characterized by a universal breakdown of the KZM.
Funding text :
We thank Jan Zaanen and Li Li for their valuable comments. This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (under Grant No. 12275233) and the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (KYCX22_3450). The work of C. M. C. was supported by the National Science and Technology Council of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) under the Grant No. NSTC 111-2112-M-008-012.
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