Quantum phase transitions beyond the dilute Bose gas limit

Abstract

We study a Heisenberg S=1/2 ring-exchange antiferromagnet which exhibits a quantum phase transition from a spontaneously dimerized (valence bond solid) phase to a magnetically ordered (Neel) phase. We argue that the quantum transition is of unconventional nature; both singlet and triplet modes of high density condense as the transition is approached from the dimer side, signaling restoration of lattice symmetry. These features are consistent with "deconfined quantum criticality", of which the present model is believed to be the only example so far.