Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 212501 (2004) [4 pages]Quantum Phase Transitions in Mesoscopic SystemsReceived 11 November 2003; published 26 May 2004 Quantum phase transitions in mesoscopic systems are studied. It is shown that the main features of phase transitions, defined for infinite number of particles, N→∞, persist even for moderate N∼10. A Landau analysis of first order transitions is done and a “critical” exponent at the spinodal point is defined. Two order parameters are introduced to distinguish first from second order transitions. Applications to atomic nuclei, molecules, atomic clusters, and finite polymers are mentioned. Experimental evidence in atomic nuclei is presented. © 2004 The American Physical Society URL:
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.212501
DOI:
10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.212501
PACS:
21.60.Fw, 05.70.Fh, 21.10.Re, 27.70.+q
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