We firstly obtain the multi-stable macroscopic quantum states of tricritical Dicke-model analytically by means of spin-coherent-state variational method for a finite atom number.
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The second-order quantum phase transition turns to the first-order one at the tricritical point of phase boundary when the coupling strength of the symmetry breaking mechanism increases to a certain extent, which leads to an additional dimension of phase diagram and can manipulate the pseudospin flip of higher-level macroscopic states.
Abstract
In this article, we obtain the multistable macroscopic quantum states and quantum tricritical behavior in generalized Dicke model (DM) analytically by means of spin-coherent-state (SCS) variational method for a finite atom number . The quantum phase transition (QPT) is characterized by the ground state from the normal phase (NP) to the superradiant phases (SP). The second-order QPT turns to the first-order one at the tricritical point of phase boundary. The tricritical behavior of QPT emerges when the coupling strength of the symmetry breaking mechanism increases to a certain extent, which leads to an additional dimension of phase diagram. Beyond the ground state the symmetry-breaking coupling can manipulate the pseudospin flip of higher-level macroscopic states. The critical property of QPT is also demonstrated from the average photon-number, the atomic population as well as Berry phase.
