Finite-time scaling beyond the Kibble-Zurek prerequisite in Dirac systems

Zhi Zeng, Yin-Kai Yu, Zhi-Xuan Li, Zi-Xiang Li () and Shuai Yin ()
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Zhi Zeng: Sun Yat-Sen University
Yin-Kai Yu: Sun Yat-Sen University
Zhi-Xuan Li: Sun Yat-Sen University
Zi-Xiang Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shuai Yin: Sun Yat-Sen University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The conventional Kibble-Zurek mechanism and the finite-time scaling provide universal descriptions of the driven critical dynamics from gapped initial states based on the adiabatic-impulse scenario. Here we investigate the driven critical dynamics in two-dimensional Dirac systems, which harbor semimetal and Mott insulator phases separated by the quantum critical point triggered by the interplay between fluctuations of gapless Dirac fermions and order parameter bosons. We find that despite the existence of the gapless initial phase, the driven dynamics can still be captured by the finite-time scaling form. This leads us to propose a criterion for the validity of Kibble-Zurek mechanism with a gapless initial state. Accordingly, our results generalize the Kibble-Zurek theory to incorporate composite fluctuations and relax its requirement for a gapped initial state to systems accommodating gapless Dirac fermionic excitations. Our work not only brings fundamental perspective into the nonequilibrium critical dynamics, but also provides an approach to fathom quantum critical properties in fermionic systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61611-6

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