First order phase transitions resulted from collective Jahn-Teller effect

Abstract

Generally, in case of the collective Jahn-Teller effect, a high-symmetry structure of a matrix in which quantum systems with degenerate ground state are inserted becomes distorted. This usually smooth transition can become abrupt only if the matrix by itself is a trigger and JTE merely activates its switching. It is shown in this paper that proper insertion into matrix of quantum systems with the singlet ground state and degenerate excited state leads to the formation of a new metastable state of the whole system and a stepwise appearance of JTE. Using nanotechnology, a matrix of any nature can be transformed into trigger in this way if one manages to synthesize and insert into it proper quantity of quantum JT-active centers with appropriate energy spectrum.