We study the relaxation properties of the Kondo lattice model using the nonequilibrium dynamical mean-field formalism in combination with the noncrossing approximation. The system is driven out of equilibrium either by a magnetic field pulse, which perturbs the local singlets, or by a sudden quench of the Kondo coupling. For relaxation processes close to thermal equilibrium (after a weak perturbation), the relaxation time increases substantially as one crosses from the local moment regime into the heavy Fermi liquid. A strong perturbation, which injects a large amount of energy, can rapidly transform the heavy Fermi liquid into a local moment state. Upon cooling, the heavy Fermi liquid reappears in a two-stage relaxation, where the first step opens the Kondo gap and the second step corresponds to a slow approach of the equilibrium state via a nonthermal pathway.

• Received 26 April 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.045119