Competing symmetry breaking and topology in quantum spin chains
This research investigates how spontaneous symmetry breaking and topology compete in 1D quantum spin-1/2 systems using exact diagonalization and DMRG. It maps out a complex phase diagram showing various ordered phases, including topological states and gapless phases. The study reveals exotic critical points, such as deconfined quantum critical points, and identifies instances of spontaneous symmetry breaking in one dimension.