Entanglement as a quantum order parameter

Abstract

We show that the quantum order parameters (QOP) associated with the transitions between a normal conductor and a superconductor in the BCS and eta-pairing models and between a Mott-insulator and a superfluid in the Bose-Hubbard model are directly related to the amount of entanglement existent in the ground state of each system. This gives a physical meaningful interpretation to these QOP, which shows the intrinsically quantum nature of the phase transitions considered.