IQIM Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Seminar

Abstract: In a quantum system, the geometry and topology of the underlying Hilbert-space can have striking signatures in the response---such as with the anomalous quantum Hall effect. We consider the out-of-equilibrium Hall response in a quenched two-band system where the link to Hilbert-space geometry is supplied by spin-orbit coupling. After quenching a time-reversal broken gap in the system, we pulse the system with an electric field for a short time. The current is then measured some time after the pulse, and we find that an unconventional, ballistic Hall current develops (i.e. perpendicular to the pulse) and persists to long times.  The origin of this response is tied intimately to the quantum geometry of the underlying system.