Dynamics of Quantum Phase Transition in an Array of Josephson Junctions

Abstract

We study the dynamics of the Mott insulator-superfluid quantum phase transition in a periodic 1D array of Josephson junctions. We show that crossing the critical point diabatically i.e. at a finite rate with a quench time $τ_Q$ induces finite quantum fluctuations of the current around the loop proportional to $τ_Q^{-1/6}$. This scaling could be experimentally verified with in array of weakly coupled Bose-Einstein condensates or superconducting grains.

4 pages in RevTex, 3 .eps figures; 2 references added; accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.Lett