Interplay of order and chaos across a first-order quantum shape-phase transition in nuclei

TL;DR

This paper investigates how nuclear shape transitions from spherical to deformed states affect the system's dynamics, revealing a shift from chaos to order and the coexistence of both in the transition region.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the interplay between order and chaos during a first-order quantum phase transition in nuclei, combining classical and quantum perspectives.

Findings

Chaos dominates on the spherical side.

Regular dynamics emerge on the deformed side.

Order and chaos coexist in the transition region.

Abstract

We study the nature of the dynamics in a first-order quantum phase transition between spherical and prolate-deformed nuclear shapes. Classical and quantum analyses reveal a change in the system from a chaotic H\'enon-Heiles behavior on the spherical side into a pronounced regular dynamics on the deformed side. Both order and chaos persist in the coexistence region and their interplay reflects the Landau potential landscape and the impact of collective rotations.