Topologically induced metastability in periodic XY chain

Many physical phenomena are explained using statistical physics models with non-trivial topological properties. One of the most important models showing this type of behavior is the XY model, which in two dimensions possesses a topological phase transition. The model discussed in this talk is the simpler one-dimensional XY model, in a low temperature regime where topological observables could be identified. We consider the dynamics of this model, explain over which time scales these observables change, and identify a temperature regime in which the equilibrium has no topological order, but the dynamics allows for metastable states with non-trivial topology. Based on a joint work with Clément Cosco.