An anomaly in quantum phases induced by borders

Abstract

AbstractThe stationary behavior of a quantum system is determined by its Hamiltonian and its boundary conditions. All quantum phase transitions (QPT) reported previously were induced by changing the Hamiltonian. In a circular spin model with Heisenberg XY interactions and no magnetic field, we observe an anomaly in quantum phases caused by a qualitative change of the boundary condition. The unexpected anomaly features an infinite number of single-particle levels, in the same pattern as the single-photon-triggered quantum phase transition in the Rabi model.