Universal Driven Critical Dynamics of Entanglement Entropy

Abstract:The Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM) and finite-time scaling (FTS) provide a foundational framework for driven critical dynamics, yet their predictive power has been largely confined to local observables. Here, we establish a universal finite-time scaling theory for the nonequilibrium dynamics of quantum entanglement. Using unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the corner entanglement entropy of (2+1)-dimensional interacting Dirac fermions driven from ordered phases toward a quantum critical point. We find that the corner entanglement accurately obeys a universal driven scaling governed by the driving rate and system size, persisting whether the initial ordered state is fully gapped or hosts gapless Goldstone modes. Crucially, this dynamical entanglement exhibits a logarithmic dependence on the driving rate, from which the universal corner coefficient of the underlying conformal field theory can be robustly extracted far from equilibrium. These results generalize the KZM from local observables to the intrinsic nonlocal quantum information measures, offering a practical blueprint for characterizing quantum criticality and entanglement on programmable quantum simulators.

Strongly Correlated Electrons (cond-mat.str-el); Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2609.03854 [cond-mat.str-el]

(or arXiv:2609.03854v1 [cond-mat.str-el] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.03854 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.