Quantum phase transition between topologically distinct quantum critical points

Abstract

By constructing an exactly solvable spin model, we investigate the critical behaviors of transverse field Ising chains interpolated with cluster interactions, which exhibit various types of topologically distinct Ising critical points. Using fidelity susceptibility as an indicator, we establish the global phase diagram, including ferromagnetic, trivial paramagnetic, and symmetry-protected topological phases. Different types of critical points exist between these phases, encompassing both topologically trivial and non-trivial Ising critical points, as well as Gaussian critical points. Importantly, we demonstrate the existence of a Lifshitz transition between these topologically distinct Ising critical points, with central charge and critical exponents determined through finite-size scaling. This work serves as a valuable reference for further research on phase transitions within the gapless quantum phase of matter.