Dissipation in spin chains using quantized nonequilibrium thermodynamics

We investigate the open dynamics of a chain of interacting spins using the quantized version of the general equation for the nonequilibrium reversible-irreversible coupling equation from classical out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics. We focus on both equilibrium and nonequilibrium scenarios for chains of different sizes. Whereas in the equilibrium case we demonstrate thermal equilibration to the correct many-body Gibbs density matrix, in the nonequilibrium dynamics we show a ballistic-to-diffusive transition in the steady-state energy current and a scaling that is consistent with Fourier's law of heat transfer.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigate the open dynamics of a chain of interacting spins using the quantized version of a classical out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics equation. We focus on both equilibrium and nonequilibrium scenarios for chains of different sizes. The results show that the system reaches thermal equilibration in the equilibrium case, while in the nonequilibrium dynamics, there is a transition from ballistic to diffusive energy current and a scaling consistent with Fourier's law of heat transfer.