Topological Order Following a Quantum Quench. (arXiv:0909.0752v1 [quant-ph])

We determine the conditions under which topological order survives a rapid
quench. Specifically, we consider the case where a quantum spin system is
prepared in the ground state of the Toric Code Model and, after the quench, it
evolves with a Hamiltonian that does not support topological order. We provide
analytical results supported by numerical evidence for a variety of quench
Hamiltonians. The robustness of topological order under non-equilibrium
situations is tested by studying the topological entropy and a novel dynamical
measure, which makes use of the Ulhmann fidelity between partial density
matrices obtained from different topological sectors.

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Original source : http://arxiv.org/abs/0909.0752...