Can long-range forces trigger quantum phase transitions that short-range forces cannot?

Starting with a Kitaev chain (a model for topological quantum computing), researchers applied imaginary-time evolution with long-range interactions that strengthen across distances as 1/r^α. Because the state remains mathematically simple (Gaussian), they could calculate entanglement exactly. They found that the interaction range α determines behavior: for α=1, even tiny deformations instantly push the system into a topological phase with Ising-like properties; for α>1, smooth crossovers require infinite deformation; for α<1, the system stays critical-like always. Notably, no sharp phase transition appears at finite deformation strength, even with ultra-long-range forces.