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An algebraic approach to intertwined quantum phase transitions in the Zr isotopes

by N. Gavrielov

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Submission summary

Authors (as registered SciPost users): Noam Gavrielov
Submission information
Preprint Link: scipost_202212_00024v1  (pdf)
Date submitted: 2022-12-14 10:30
Submitted by: Gavrielov, Noam
Submitted to: SciPost Physics Proceedings
Proceedings issue: 34th International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics (GROUP2022)
Ontological classification
Academic field: Physics
Specialties:
  • Nuclear Physics - Theory
Approaches: Theoretical, Phenomenological

Abstract

The algebraic framework of the interacting boson model with configuration mixing is employed to demonstrate the occurrence of intertwined quantum phase transitions (IQPTs) in the $_{40}$Zr isotopes with neutron number 52-70. The detailed quantum and classical analyses reveal a QPT of crossing normal and intruder configurations superimposed on a QPT of the intruder configuration from U(5) to SU(3) and a crossover from SU(3) to SO(6) dynamical symmetries.

Current status:
Has been resubmitted

Reports on this Submission

Report #1 by Anonymous (Referee 1) on 2023-3-6 (Invited Report)

  • Cite as: Anonymous, Report on arXiv:scipost_202212_00024v1, delivered 2023-03-06, doi: 10.21468/SciPost.Report.6850

Strengths

1. The author introduces a novel concept in the application of quantum phase transitions in atomic nuclei.
2. The paper is very well written, the text is clear and concise.
3. The study uses abundantly Lie algebraic notions and therefore has its place in the proceedings of the Group Theory meeting.

Weaknesses

1. This is a parametrised approach to a phenomenon that, in principle, can be described more microscopically (although with tremendous numerical effort) in the context of the shell model.

Report

In this contribution the author reports on a recently introduced novel concept related to quantum phase transitions (QPTs) in atomic nuclei. Based on earlier work by Gilmore and co-workers concerned with general aspects in quantum systems, QPTs were introduced in 1980 in the context of the interacting boson model (IBM) [5,18]. For over two decades this approach remained a standard way for describing shape evolution in nuclei until it was realised [8] that a second type of evolution occurs if, when changing the number of neutrons or protons, the nucleus switches from one to another coexisting configuration with a different shape. The two mechanisms of QPT are referred to as type I and II, respectively.

The novel aspect of the present contribution is to argue that both QPTs can occur simultaneously, giving rise to what has been named an intertwined QPT, or IQPT. In addition, the author shows compelling evidence that this IQPT actually occurs in the zirconium isotopes.

The contribution is an excellently written summary of what has been done so far related to IQPTs. It adds to the work published in [12] by its clarity and conciseness and shows modified, in some cases updated, figures. As the study requires the permanent use of algebraic concepts in the context of the IBM, it has its place in the proceedings of the Group Theory meeting that took place in 2022 in Strasbourg.

I can therefore advise publication of the manuscript. My only comment is about the right panel of Figure 2, where some of the greek characters (tau, sigma, lambda and mu) have disappeared, at least in the PDF file available to me.

Requested changes

1. See my comment on Figure 2 in my report.

  • validity: high
  • significance: high
  • originality: high
  • clarity: top
  • formatting: perfect
  • grammar: perfect

Author:  Noam Gavrielov  on 2023-03-09  [id 3457]

(in reply to Report 1 on 2023-03-06)
Category:
remark
correction

Dear Referee,

I would like to thank you for your thuoghtful report on the manuscript.
I have corrected figure 2 as you pointed out.

Sincerely,

Dr. Noam Gavrielov

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