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Quantum Phase Transition and Entanglement in Topological Quantum Wires
Jaeyoon Cho1,2, Kun Woo Kim3
1Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics, Pohang, 37673, Korea. choooir@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|June 7, 2017
Summary
Quantum phase transitions in the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model are signaled by local entanglement changes. This study reveals a universal topological origin for these singularities in 1D systems.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Information Theory
- Topological Matter
Background:
- The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model is a fundamental model for one-dimensional topological insulators.
- Understanding quantum phase transitions is crucial for developing new quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantum phase transition in the SSH model using two-site entanglements.
- To identify the topological origin of nonanalyticities in local entanglement.
- To explore phase transitions characterized solely by quantum information theory.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two-site entanglements in the ground state of the SSH model.
- Comparison with analogous quantities in the Kitaev chain (local electron density).
- Investigation of entanglement scaling behaviors near transition points.
Main Results:
- Topological phase transitions in the SSH model are marked by nonanalyticities in local entanglement, becoming discontinuous for finite even system sizes.
- These nonanalyticities possess a universal topological origin, also observed in the local electron density of the Kitaev chain.
- A distinct phase transition, driven by quantum information theory, alters entanglement patterns without closing the spectral gap.
Conclusions:
- Local entanglement provides a robust indicator of topological phase transitions in one-dimensional systems.
- The findings highlight the deep connection between topology and entanglement in quantum matter.
- The study introduces a new perspective on phase transitions governed by quantum information principles.
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