CHAPTER 4 Multiple-Quantum Transitions

Achim Rosch

At a quantum critical point the ground state of a many-particle quantum system undergoes a phase transition when some control parameters such as pressure, magnetic field, or chemical composition is varied. The universal behaviour characteristic for such quantum phase transitions often affects a wide temperature range and gives rise to novel material properties. This chapter gives a short overview over five lectures held during the Les Houches summer school ‘Quantum theory from small to large scales’ in 2010. After an introductory chapter, field driven magnetic quantum phase transitions of insulators are used as an example to discuss some of the concepts underlying quantum phase transitions. Both experimentally and theoretically, quantum phase transitions in metals are much less understood compared to insulating systems. After a brief review of the standard approach to describe those systems, the importance of multiple time scales and associated multiple critical exponents z are discussed. Finally, emergent gauge theories close to critical points are investigated. As an example, it discusses why a gauge theory describes the (classical) phase transitions of a nematic, if topological defects are suppressed.

Gilad Gour

Chapter 14 transitions the focus to multipartite entanglement, a realm that broadens the discussion from bipartite systems to those involving multiple parties. This complex form of entanglement plays a crucial role in quantum computing, cryptography, and communication networks. The chapter introduces the foundational concepts of multipartite entanglement, including its characterization and the challenges associated with its classification. Significant attention is given to the classification of multipartite entangled states through SL-invariant polynomials, which provide tools for understanding the structure and properties of these states. Stochastic Local Operations and Classical Communication (SLOCC) are introduced as a means to classify entanglement. Furthermore, the chapter explores the entanglement of assistance and the monogamy of entanglement, two concepts that illustrate the limitations and potential for distributing entanglement among multiple parties. Through detailed explanations and examples in three and four qubits, this chapter offers insights into the intricate world of multipartite entanglement, revealing both its potential and challenges.

P. Jung

Bhagvan Kommadi

This chapter covers quantum subsystems and their properties. Single and multiple quantum bit systems are discussed in detail. Quantum states, protocols, operations, and transformations are also presented in this chapter.