Detecting Quantum Anomalies in Open Systems

Explore a groundbreaking approach to detecting quantum anomalies in open systems in this 46-minute conference talk by Shenghan Jiang at BIMSA. Delve into the novel method of using symmetries and quantum anomalies to constrain complex quantum many-body systems. Discover how the mixed anomaly between translation and spin rotation symmetry reveals distinct characteristics for half-integer and integer spin chains when measuring exp(iθS_z^tot) as a function of θ. Learn about the topological phenomenon similar to "level crossing" observed in closed systems, which manifests in half-integer spin chains. Examine the analytical establishment and numerical demonstration of the unavoidable singular behavior for half-integer spin chains using matrix product density operator and transfer matrix formalism. Gain insights into how this research extends concepts like "spectral flow" and "flux threading" to open systems without necessarily requiring a Hamiltonian.