Proof of Rounding by Quenched Disorder of First Order Transitions in Low-Dimensional Quantum Systems

We prove that for quantum lattice systems in d<=2 dimensions the addition of quenched disorder rounds any first order phase transition in the corresponding conjugate order parameter, both at positive temperatures and at T=0. For systems with continuous symmetry the statement extends up to d<=4 dimensions. This establishes for quantum systems the existence of the Imry-Ma phenomenon which for classical systems was proven by Aizenman and Wehr. The extension of the proof to quantum systems is achieved by carrying out the analysis at the level of thermodynamic quantities rather than equilibrium states.

On Spin Systems with Quenched Randomness: Classical and Quantum

The rounding of first order phase transitions by quenched randomness is stated in a form which is applicable to both classical and quantum systems: The free energy, as well as the ground state energy, of a spin system on a $d$-dimensional lattice is continuously differentiable with respect to any parameter in the Hamiltonian to which some randomness has been added when $d leq 2$. This implies absence of jumps in the associated order parameter, e.g., the magnetization in case of a random magnetic field. A similar result applies in cases of continuous symmetry breaking for $d leq 4$. Some questions concerning the behavior of related order parameters in such random systems are discussed.