Critical Scaling of Two-component Systems from Quantum Fluctuations

TL;DR

This paper investigates the critical behavior of two-component quantum nuclear systems, revealing universal scaling laws and how neutron-proton asymmetry affects the equation of state and critical parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a method to derive thermodynamic properties from quantum fluctuations and identifies critical exponents and scaling behavior in asymmetric nuclear matter.

Findings

Critical exponent β=0.35±0.01 consistent with liquid-gas universality

Critical compressibility factor increases with neutron number

Universal critical scaling observed across different neutron-proton ratios

Abstract

The thermodynamics of excited nuclear systems allows one to explore the second-order phase transition in a two-component quantum mixture. Temperatures and densities are derived from quantum fluctuations of fermions. The pressures are determined from the grand partition function of Fisher's model. Critical scaling of observables is found for systems which differ in neutron to proton concentrations thus constraining the equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter. The derived critical exponent {\beta}= 0.35 \pm 0.01, belongs to the liquid-gas universality class. The critical compressibility factor Pc /{\rho}c Tc increases with increasing neutron number.