Order, Chaos and (Quasi-) Dynamical Symmetries across 1st-order Quantum Phase Transitions in Nuclei.

First order quantum phase transition (QPT) between spherical and axially deformed nuclei shows coexisting, but well-separated regions of regular and chaotic dynamics. We employ a Hamiltonian of the Arima-Iachello Interacting Boson Model (IBM) with an arbitrarily high potential barrier separating the phases. Classical and quantum analyses reveal markedly distinct behavior of the two phases: Deformed phase is completely regular, while the spherical phase shows highly chaotic dynamics, similar to the H\'enon-Heiles system. Rotational bands with quasi-SU(3) characteristics built upon the regular vibrational spectrum of beta- and gamma-vibrations are observed in the deformed phase up to very high excitation energies.