String-breaking dynamics in an Ising chain with local vibrations
Phys. Rev. B 112, 024311 – Published 21 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mdcm-5w9k
Abstract
We consider the dynamics in the one-dimensional quantum Ising model in which each spin coherently interacts with its phononic mode. The model is motivated by quantum simulators based on Rydberg atoms in tweezers or trapped ions. The configuration of two domain walls simulates the particle-antiparticle connecting string. We concentrate on the effect the local vibrations have on the dynamics of this initial state. Our study extends recent investigations of string breaking, traditionally studied within quantum chromodynamics, to quantum many-body systems. Two regimes are identified depending on the strength of the coupling with local vibrations. For weak coupling, the string breaking is slowed down compared to the dynamics in an isolated Ising string. Strong coupling leads to complicated dynamics in which the domain wall character of the excitation is dissolved among many coupled states.
