Phase transition in the pairing-plus-quadrupole model

We consider the pairing-plus-quadrupole model Hamiltonian within the framework of a many-fermion shell model. The Hamiltonian exhibits a transition from a superconducting to a rotational phase with variation of a parameter. The model has analytical solutions in its two limits due to the presence of dynamical symmetries. However, the symmetries are basically incompatible with one another which means that no simple solution exists in intermediate situations. Exact (numerical) solutions are nevertheless possible on a computer and enable one to study the behavior of competing but incompatible symmetries and the phase transitions that result in a semirealistic situation. This mixed-symmetry dynamics generates a rich structure which gives new insight for the study of phase transitions.