Prethermalization for Deformed Wigner Matrices

Abstract: We prove that a class of weakly perturbed Hamiltonians of the form $H_\lambda = H_0 + \lambda W$, with $W$ being a Wigner matrix, exhibits prethermalization. That is, the time evolution generated by $H_\lambda$ relaxes to its ultimate thermal state via an intermediate prethermal state with a lifetime of order $\lambda^{-2}$. Moreover, we obtain a general relaxation formula, expressing the perturbed dynamics via the unperturbed dynamics and the ultimate thermal state. The proof relies on a two-resolvent law for the deformed Wigner matrix $H_\lambda$.