Fractal nature of high-order time crystal phases

Discrete Floquet time crystals (DFTCs) are characterized by the spontaneous breaking of the discrete time-translational invariance characteristic of Floquet-driven systems. In analogy with equilibrium critical points, also time-crystalline phases display critical behavior of different order, i.e., oscillations whose period is a multiple p > 2 of the Floquet driving period. Here, we introduce an experimentally accessible order parameter which is able to unambiguously detect crystalline phases regardless of the value of p and, at the same time, is a useful tool for chaos diagnostic. This p aradigm allows us to investigate the phase diagram of the long-range (LR) kicked Ising model to an unprecedented depth, unveiling a rich landscape characterized by self-similar fractal boundaries. Our theoretical picture describes the emergence of DFTCs phase both as a function of the strength and period of the Floquet drive, capturing the emergent Z(p) symmetry in the Floquet-Bloch waves.

Automated summary

An experimentally accessible order parameter is introduced to detect crystalline phases of discrete Floquet time crystals and serves as a diagnostic tool for chaos. The phase diagram of the long-range kicked Ising model is investigated, revealing self-similar fractal boundaries.