Intertwined Quantum Phase Transitions in the Zr Isotopes

Abstract

We explore the situation of intertwined quantum phase transitions (IQPTs), for which a QPT involving a crossing of two configurations is accompanied by a shape evolution of each configuration with its own separate QPT. We demonstrate the relevance of IQPTs to the Zr isotopes, with such coexisting Type I and Type II QPTs, and ground state shapes changing from spherical to prolate axially deformed and finally to gamma-unstable. Evidence for this scenario is provided by a detailed comparison with experimental data, using a definite symmetry-based conceptual framework.

6 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, final version, accepted for publication in Physical Review C

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• Quantum phase transitions in the interacting boson model
• First Measurement of Collectivity of Coexisting Shapes based on Type II Shell Evolution: The Case of ${}^{96}$Zr
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• Structural evolution in $A\approx 100$ nuclei within the mapped interacting boson model based on the Gogny energy density functional
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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Zr Isotopes as a region of intertwined quantum phase transitions
• The subtle connection between shape coexistence and quantum phase transition. The Zr case
• Tests of collectivity in ${}^{98}$Zr by absolute transition rates
• Mixed configurations and intertwined quantum phase transitions in odd-mass nuclei
• Description of the low-lying collective states of ${}^{96}$Zr based on the quadrupole-collective Bohr Hamiltonian