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Quantum phase transitions in mesoscopic systems.

F Iachello1, N V Zamfir

  • 1Center for Theoretical Physics, Sloane Physics Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8120, USA.

Physical Review Letters
|July 13, 2004
PubMed
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Quantum phase transitions in mesoscopic systems show key features even with few particles. This study defines critical exponents and uses order parameters to analyze transitions in systems like atomic nuclei.

Area of Science:

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical Mechanics

Background:

  • Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) are typically studied in systems with an infinite number of particles.
  • Understanding QPTs in finite, mesoscopic systems is crucial for many applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistence of QPT features in mesoscopic systems with moderate particle numbers (N ≈ 10).
  • To analyze first-order phase transitions using Landau theory and define a critical exponent at the spinodal point.
  • To introduce order parameters for distinguishing between first and second-order transitions.

Main Methods:

  • Landau analysis of first-order phase transitions.
  • Introduction of two order parameters to classify transition types.

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  • Theoretical analysis applied to mesoscopic systems.

    • Main Results:

    • Key features of quantum phase transitions observed in infinite systems persist in mesoscopic systems with N ≈ 10.
    • A "critical" exponent at the spinodal point for first-order transitions is defined.
    • Distinct order parameters successfully differentiate first and second-order transitions.

    Conclusions:

    • Quantum phase transitions are observable and analyzable in finite mesoscopic systems.
    • The findings have implications for understanding phenomena in atomic nuclei, molecules, atomic clusters, and finite polymers.
    • Experimental evidence in atomic nuclei supports the theoretical predictions.