# Thermalization of field driven quantum systems

Source: [Thermalization of field driven quantum systems](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa2d8f1e209131ce85a4cb>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-24T16:20:15.891Z

Authors: H. Fotso, K. Mikelsons, J. K. freericks

Published: 2013-10-31T00:29:52.000Z

## Abstract

There is much interest in how quantum systems thermalize after a sudden change, because unitary evolution should preclude thermalization. The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis resolves this because all observables for quantum states in a small energy window have essentially the same value; it is violated for integrable systems due to the infinite number of conserved quantities. Here, we show that when a system is driven by a DC electric field there are five generic behaviors: (i) monotonic or (ii) oscillatory approach to an infinite-temperature steady state; (iii) monotonic or (iv) oscillatory approach to a nonthermal steady state; or (v) evolution to an oscillatory state. Examining the Hubbard model (which thermalizes under a quench) and the Falicov-Kimball model (which does not), we find both exhibit scenarios (i-iv), while only Hubbard shows scenario (v). This shows richer behavior than in interaction quenches and integrability in the absence of a field plays no role.

## Recorded benchmark results

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## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/1310.8354>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/1310.8354.pdf>)