Abstract
We compute the quantum correlation [quantum discord (QD)] and the entanglement (EOF) between nearest-neighbor qubits (spin-) in an infinite chain described by the Heisenberg model ( Hamiltonian) at finite temperatures. The chain is in the thermodynamic limit and thermalized with a reservoir at temperature (canonical ensemble). We show that QD, in contrast to EOF and other thermodynamic quantities, spotlight the critical points associated with quantum phase transitions (QPT) for this model even at finite . This remarkable property of QD may have important implications for experimental characterization of QPTs when one is unable to reach temperatures below which a QPT can be seen.
- Received 16 June 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.095702
© 2010 The American Physical Society