Chaotic route to classical thermalization: A real-space analysis.

Abstract

Most of the previous studies on classical thermalization focus on the wave-vector space, encountering limitations when extended beyond quasi-integrable regions. In this study, we propose a scheme to study the thermalization of the classical Hamiltonian chain of interacting oscillators in real space by developing a thermalization indicator proposed by Parisi [Europhys. Lett. 40, 357 (1997)0295-507510.1209/epl/i1997-00471-9], which approaches zero in the thermal state. Upon reaching the steady state characterized by the generalized Gibbs ensemble for a harmonic chain, a quench protocol is implemented to change the Hamiltonian to a nonintegrable form instantaneously, thereby preparing nonequilibrium initial states. This approach enables investigations of thermalization in real space, particularly valuable for exploring regions beyond quasi-integrability. For the FPUT-β lattice, we observe that the thermalization time as a function of the nonintegrable strength follows a -2 scaling law in the quasi-integrable region and -1/4 in the strongly integrable region. Moreover, numerical results reveal the thermalization time is proportional to the Lyapunov time, which bridges microscopic chaotic dynamics and the macroscopic thermalization process.