Nonequilibrium topological response under charge dephasing
Phys. Rev. B 114, 185128 – Published 24 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2tvq-j6y1
Abstract
We explore nonequilibrium topological responses of symmetry-protected topological (SPT) states in open quantum systems subject to decoherence. For SPT wave functions protected by a product symmetry , where defects are decorated with charge, we show that full dephasing of the charge density induces spontaneous strong-to-weak symmetry breaking (SWSSB) of in the resulting mixed-state ensemble. We extend this mechanism to SPT phases protected by higher-form and spatially modulated symmetries, and further to gapless SPT states, demonstrating that dephasing-induced SWSSB persists well beyond conventional gapped zero-form settings. Our results provide a qualitative, channel-defined fingerprint of SPT order that is intrinsic to open-system dynamics and goes beyond equilibrium linear response.