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.