Finite-time scaling with two characteristic time scales: Driven critical dynamics with emergent symmetry (2503.16796v1)

Abstract: Critical points with emergent symmetry exhibit intriguing scaling properties induced by two divergent length scales, attracting extensive investigations recently. We study the driven critical dynamics in a three-dimensional $q$-state clock model, in which the ordered phase breaks the $Z_q$ discrete symmetry, while an emergent $U(1)$ symmetry appears at the critical point. By increasing the temperature at a finite velocity $v$ to traverse the critical point from the ordered phase, we uncover rich dynamic scaling properties beyond the celebrated Kibble-Zurek mechanism. Our findings reveal the existence of two finite-time scaling (FTS) regions, characterized by two driving-induced time scales $\zeta_d\propto v^{-z/r}$ and $\zeta_d'\propto v^{-z/r'}$, respectively. Here $z$ is the dynamic exponent, $r$ is the usual critical exponent of $v$, and $r'$ represents an additional critical exponent of $v$ associated with the dangerously irrelevant scaling variable. While the square of the order parameter $M^2$ obeys the usual FTS form, the angular order parameter $\phi_q$ shows remarkably distinct scaling behaviors controlled by both FTS regions. For small $v$, $\phi_q$ is dominated by the time scale $\zeta_d$, whereas for large $v$, $\phi_q$ is governed by the second time scale $\zeta_d'$. We verify the universality of these scaling properties in models with both isotropic and anisotropic couplings. Our theoretical insights provide a promising foundation for further experimental investigations in the hexagonal RMnO$_3$ (R=rare earth) materials.