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arXiv · 1201.6671

Spin-Peierls Quantum Phase Transitions in Coulomb Crystals

A. Bermudez·M. B. Plenio
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Abstract

The spin-Peierls instability describes a structural transition of a crystal due to strong magnetic interactions. Here we demonstrate that cold Coulomb crystals of trapped ions provide an experimental testbed in which to study this complex many-body problem and to access extreme regimes where the instability is triggered by quantum fluctuations alone. We present a consistent analysis based on different analytical and numerical methods, and provide a detailed discussion of its feasibility on the basis of ion-trap experiments. Moreover, we identify regimes where this quantum simulation may exceed the power of classical computers.

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A. Bermudez, M. B. Plenio. 2012-01-31. Spin-Peierls Quantum Phase Transitions in Coulomb Crystals. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.109.010501

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