Optimal time-dependent lattice models for nonequilibrium dynamics

Kaspar Sakmann, Alexej I. Streltsov, Ofir E. Alon, Lorenz S. Cederbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Lattice models are central to the physics of ultracold atoms and condensed matter. Generally, lattice models contain time-independent hopping and interaction parameters that are derived from the Wannier functions of the noninteracting problem. Here, we present a new concept based on timedependent Wannier functions and the variational principle that leads to optimal time-dependent lattice models. As an application, we use the Bose-Hubbard model with time-dependent Wannier functions to study an interaction quench scenario involving higher bands. We find a separation of time-scales in the dynamics. The results are compared with numerically exact results of the timedependent many-body Schrödinger equation. We thereby show that-under some circumstances-the multi-band nonequilibrium dynamics of a quantum system can be obtained essentially at the cost of a single-band model.

Original languageAmerican English
Article number043003
Number of pages10
JournalNew Journal of Physics
Volume13
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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