Scaling properties of quantum shape phase transitions in the interacting boson model-1

Abstract

The evolution of system observables at critical points of quantum phase transitions in atomic nuclei is explored within the context of the interacting boson model-1. The evolution of energies and transition strengths in the ground state band at the infinite-size critical point are examined with respect to system size. Properties of first-order phase transitions away from the U(5)-SU(3) leg of the Casten triangle are examined, and the effects of angular momentum on the evolution of system observables at the critical point are investigated for the first time. � 2010 The American Physical Society.