title: Nucleation in finite topological systems during continuous metastable quantum phase transitions.
abstract: Finite topological quantum systems can undergo continuous metastable quantum phase transitions to change their topological nature. Here we show how to nucleate the transition between ring currents and dark soliton states in a toroidally trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. An adiabatic passage to wind and unwind its phase is achieved by explicit global breaking of the rotational symmetry. This could be realized with current experimental technology.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Theoretical Chemistry and Physics and New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study, Massey University, Private Bag 102904 NSMC, Auckland 0745, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Oleksandr
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Fialko
authors.forename: Marie-Coralie
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Delattre
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: Andrey R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kolovsky