Detecting out-of-time-order correlations via quasi-adiabatic echoes as a tool to reveal quantum coherence in equilibrium quantum phase transitions

Abstract: We propose a new dynamical method to connect equilibrium quantum phase transitions and quantum coherence using out-of-time-order correlations (OTOCs). Adopting the iconic Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick and transverse-field Ising models as illustrative examples, we show that an abrupt change in coherence and entanglement of the ground state across a quantum phase transition is observable in the spectrum of multiple quantum coherence (MQC) intensities, which are a special type of OTOC. We also develop a robust protocol to obtain the relevant OTOCs using quasi-adiabatic quenches through the ground state phase diagram. Our scheme allows for the detection of OTOCs without time-reversal of coherent dynamics, making it applicable and important for a broad range of current experiments where time-reversal cannot be achieved by inverting the sign of the underlying Hamiltonian.