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arXiv · 1208.0471

Rounding of a first-order quantum phase transition to a strong-coupling critical point

Fawaz Hrahsheh·José A. Hoyos·Thomas Vojta
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Abstract

We investigate the effects of quenched disorder on first-order quantum phase transitions on the example of the $N$-color quantum Ashkin-Teller model. By means of a strong-disorder renormalization group, we demonstrate that quenched disorder rounds the first-order quantum phase transition to a continuous one for both weak and strong coupling between the colors. In the strong coupling case, we find a distinct type of infinite-randomness critical point characterized by additional internal degrees of freedom. We investigate its critical properties in detail, and we discuss broader implications for the fate of first-order quantum phase transitions in disordered systems.

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Fawaz Hrahsheh, José A. Hoyos, Thomas Vojta. 2013-01-03. Rounding of a first-order quantum phase transition to a strong-coupling critical point. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.86.214204

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