Quantum phase transition from mixed atom-molecule phase to pure molecule phase: Characteristic scaling laws and Berry-curvature signature

Abstract

We investigate the quantum phase transition in an ultracold atom-molecule conversion system. It is found that the system undergoes a phase transition from a mixed atom-molecule phase to a pure molecule phase when the energy bias exceeds a critical value. By constructing a coherent state as variational state, we get a good approximation of the quantum ground state of the system. Using this variational state, we deduce the critical point analytically. We then discuss the scaling laws characterizing the transition and obtain the corresponding critical exponents. Furthermore, the Berry curvature signature of the transition is studied. In particular, we find that the derivatives of the Berry curvature with respect to total particle number intersect at the critical point. The underlying mechanism of this finding is discussed as well.