Tuning the universality class of phase transitions by feedback: Open quantum systems beyond dissipation

We shift the paradigm of feedback control from the control of quantum states to the control of phase transitions in quantum systems. We show that feedback allows tuning the universality class of phase transitions via modifying its critical exponent. We expand our previous treatment [Ivanov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 010603 (2020)] of the Dicke model and go beyond the approximation of the adiabatically eliminated light field. Both linearized and nonlinear models of spin ensembles are considered. The tunability of quantum fluctuations near the critical point by the feedbacks of nontrivial shapes is explained by considering the fluctuation spectra and the system behavior at single quantum trajectories.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a new method of controlling quantum systems by shifting the paradigm from controlling quantum states to controlling phase transitions. It demonstrates that feedback can tune the universality class of phase transitions by modifying critical exponents, expands previous treatments of the Dicke model, and considers both linearized and nonlinear models of spin ensembles. The tunability of quantum fluctuations near critical points through feedbacks of nontrivial shapes is explained by analyzing fluctuation spectra and system behavior at single quantum trajectories.