We investigate the effects of smooth inhomogeneities at first-order quantum transitions (FOQTs), such as those arising in the presence of a space-dependent external field, which smooths out the discontinuities of the low-energy properties at the transition. We argue that a universal scaling behavior emerges in the space transition region close to the point in which the external field takes the value for which the homogeneous system undergoes the FOQT. We verify the general theory in two model systems. We consider the quantum Ising chain in the ferromagnetic phase and the q-state Potts chain for q = 10, investigating the scaling behavior which arises in the presence of an additional inhomogeneous parallel and transverse magnetic field, respectively. Numerical results are in full agreement with the general theory.

Scaling phenomena driven by inhomogeneous conditions at first-order quantum transitions / M., Campostrini; J., Nespolo; Pelissetto, Andrea; E., Vicari. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS. - ISSN 1539-3755. - STAMPA. - 91:(2015), p. 022108. [10.1103/PhysRevE.91.022108]

Scaling phenomena driven by inhomogeneous conditions at first-order quantum transitions

PELISSETTO, Andrea;
2015

Abstract

We investigate the effects of smooth inhomogeneities at first-order quantum transitions (FOQTs), such as those arising in the presence of a space-dependent external field, which smooths out the discontinuities of the low-energy properties at the transition. We argue that a universal scaling behavior emerges in the space transition region close to the point in which the external field takes the value for which the homogeneous system undergoes the FOQT. We verify the general theory in two model systems. We consider the quantum Ising chain in the ferromagnetic phase and the q-state Potts chain for q = 10, investigating the scaling behavior which arises in the presence of an additional inhomogeneous parallel and transverse magnetic field, respectively. Numerical results are in full agreement with the general theory.
2015
First-ordr quantum transitions; quantum ising chain; low energy properties
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Scaling phenomena driven by inhomogeneous conditions at first-order quantum transitions / M., Campostrini; J., Nespolo; Pelissetto, Andrea; E., Vicari. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS. - ISSN 1539-3755. - STAMPA. - 91:(2015), p. 022108. [10.1103/PhysRevE.91.022108]
File allegati a questo prodotto
File Dimensione Formato  
Pelissetto_Quantum-transitions.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione editoriale (versione pubblicata con il layout dell'editore)
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 1.03 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.03 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/782013
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 5
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 6
social impact