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Nucleation in finite topological systems during continuous metastable quantum phase transitions
Oleksandr Fialko1, Marie-Coralie Delattre, Joachim Brand
1Centre for Theoretical Chemistry and Physics and New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study, Massey University, Private Bag 102904 NSMC, Auckland 0745, New Zealand.
Physical Review Letters
|September 26, 2012
Summary
We demonstrate how to initiate topological phase transitions in quantum systems by manipulating Bose-Einstein condensates. This controlled transition between ring currents and dark solitons uses adiabatic passage and symmetry breaking, achievable with current technology.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Topological quantum systems
Background:
- Finite topological quantum systems exhibit continuous metastable quantum phase transitions.
- These transitions alter the system's fundamental topological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the nucleation of phase transitions between ring currents and dark soliton states.
- To investigate the role of adiabatic passage and symmetry breaking in controlling topological changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a toroidally trapped Bose-Einstein condensate.
- Implementing an adiabatic passage technique to wind and unwind the condensate's phase.
- Explicitly breaking the global rotational symmetry of the system.
Main Results:
- Successfully nucleated the transition between ring currents and dark soliton states.
- Achieved controlled phase winding and unwinding via adiabatic passage.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method with existing experimental technology.
Conclusions:
- Continuous metastable quantum phase transitions can be initiated and controlled in finite topological quantum systems.
- Adiabatic passage combined with symmetry breaking offers a viable pathway for manipulating topological states.
- The proposed method is experimentally accessible with current technology, paving the way for future research.
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