Loschmidt echo zeros and dynamical quantum phase transitions in finite-size quantum systems with linear quench

Abstract: Dynamical quantum phase transitions reveal singularities in quench dynamics, characterized by the emergence of Loschmidt echo zeros at critical times, which usually exist only in the thermodynamical limit but are absent in finite size quantum systems. In this work, we propose a theoretical scheme to probe Loschmidt echo zeros and observe dynamical quantum phase transitions in finite size systems by applying a two-step quenching protocol, which offers an experimentally feasible approach to study Loschmidt echo zeros. Using the transverse Ising model as a testbed, we identify that the exact Loschmidt echo zeros can be always accessed by tuning the quench rate, when the quench is across the phase transition point. The associated rate function displays divergence at critical times, accompanying with the change of the dynamical topological order parameter. The critical times are influenced by the quench rate, system size, and momentum modes, embodying the interplay between finite-size effects and critical dynamics.