Nucleation in finite topological systems during continuous metastable quantum phase transitions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how to induce and control topological quantum phase transitions in finite systems, specifically in a Bose-Einstein condensate, by breaking symmetry and manipulating phase winding.

Contribution

It introduces a method to nucleate and control topological phase transitions in finite quantum systems through symmetry breaking and phase manipulation.

Findings

Successful adiabatic passage between states achieved

Explicit symmetry breaking enables phase control

Method feasible with current experimental technology

Abstract

Finite topological quantum systems can undergo continuous metastable quantum phase transitions to change their topological nature. Here we show how to nucleate the transition between ring currents and dark soliton states in a toroidally trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. An adiabatic passage to wind and unwind its phase is achieved by explicit global breaking of the rotational symmetry. This could be realized with current experimental technology.