arXiv:1901.04729 · AIP conference proceedings
Order, chaos and (quasi-) dynamical symmetries across 1st-order quantum phase transitions in nuclei
Michal Macek, Pavel Cejnar, P. Stránský, Jan Dobeš, A. Leviatan
Abstract
First order quantum phase transition (QPT) between spherical and axially deformed nuclei shows coexisting, but well-separated regions of regular and chaotic dynamics. We employ a Hamiltonian of the Arima-Iachello Interacting Boson Model (IBM) with an arbitrarily high potential barrier separating the phases. Classical and quantum analyses reveal markedly distinct behavior of the two phases: Deformed phase is completely regular, while the spherical phase shows highly chaotic dynamics, similar to the Hénon-Heiles system. Rotational bands with quasi-SU(3) characteristics built upon the regular vibrational spectrum of beta- and gamma-vibrations are observed in the deformed phase up to very high excitation energies.