Exploring Quantum Phase Transitions Beyond Landau Theory on a Quantum Processor
Abstract
Direct continuous quantum phase transitions between phases that break distinct symmetries challenge the conventional Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm and provide a framework for deconfined quantum criticality. Here, we investigate a Landau-forbidden ferromagnetic-to-valence-bond-solid (FM-VBS) transition in a frustrated one-dimensional spin chain using superconducting quantum processors. Combining matrix-product-state-assisted circuit preparation with quantum-hardware measurements, we resolve the suppression of long-range ferromagnetic correlations and the redistribution of competing-order fluctuations across the transition. Distance-resolved correlations and finite-size analyses reveal signatures consistent with critical behavior. We further extend our investigation to nonequilibrium dynamics, directly preparing dimerized states and tracking the evolution of VBS order and joint FM-VBS fluctuations under local unitary interactions. Our results establish a versatile quantum-hardware framework for probing competing orders, critical correlations, and many-body dynamics beyond conventional Landau theory.
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BibTeX
@misc{shen2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring Quantum Phase Transitions Beyond Landau Theory on a Quantum Processor}},
author = {Ruizhe Shen and Yin Zhong and Ching Hua Lee},
howpublished = {arXiv},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.48550/arxiv.2610.22482},
eprint = {2610.22482},
archivePrefix = {arXiv},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.22482},
note = {CC0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Exploring Quantum Phase Transitions Beyond Landau Theory on a Quantum Processor
AU - Ruizhe Shen
AU - Yin Zhong
AU - Ching Hua Lee
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/15
PB - arXiv
DO - 10.48550/arxiv.2610.22482
UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.22482
AB - Direct continuous quantum phase transitions between phases that break distinct symmetries challenge the conventional Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm and provide a framework for deconfined quantum criticality. Here, we investigate a Landau-forbidden ferromagnetic-to-valence-bond-solid (FM-VBS) transition in a frustrated one-dimensional spin chain using superconducting quantum processors. Combining matrix-product-state-assisted circuit preparation with quantum-hardware measurements, we resolve the suppression of long-range ferromagnetic correlations and the redistribution of competing-order fluctuations across the transition. Distance-resolved correlations and finite-size analyses reveal signatures consistent with critical behavior. We further extend our investigation to nonequilibrium dynamics, directly preparing dimerized states and tracking the evolution of VBS order and joint FM-VBS fluctuations under local unitary interactions. Our results establish a versatile quantum-hardware framework for probing competing orders, critical correlations, and many-body dynamics beyond conventional Landau theory.
ER -