Mixed permutation symmetry quantum phase transitions of critical three-level atom models

Abstract

We define the concept of Mixed Symmetry Quantum Phase Transition (MSQPT), considering each permutation symmetry sector $\mu$ of an identical particles system, as singularities in the properties of the lowest-energy state into each $\mu$ when shifting a Hamiltonian control parameter $\lambda$. A three-level Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick (LMG) model is chosen to typify our construction. Firstly, we analyze the finite number $N$ of particles case, proving the presence of MSQPT precursors. Then, in the thermodynamic limit $N\to∞$, we calculate the lowest-energy density inside each sector $\mu$, augmenting the control parameter space by $\mu$, and showing a phase diagram with four different quantum phases.