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Continuous Quantum Phase Transition between an Antiferromagnet and a Valence-Bond Solid in Two Dimensions: Evidence for Logarithmic Corrections to Scaling

Anders W. Sandvik
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 177201 – Published 26 April 2010
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Abstract

The antiferromagnetic to valence-bond-solid phase transition in the two-dimensional JQ model (an S=1/2 Heisenberg model with four-spin interactions) is studied using large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations. The results support a continuous transition of the ground state, in agreement with the theory of “deconfined” quantum criticality. There are, however, large corrections to scaling, of logarithmic or very slowly decaying power-law form, which had not been anticipated. This suggests that either the SU(N) symmetric noncompact CPN1 field theory for deconfined quantum criticality has to be revised or that the theory for N=2 (as in the system studied here) differs significantly from N (where the field theory is analytically tractable).

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  • Received 25 January 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.177201

©2010 American Physical Society

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Does quantum mechanics play a role in critical phenomena?

Published 26 April 2010

Quantum interference effects can, in theory, lead to the emergence of new particles carrying exotic quantum numbers at a critical point. But how good is the evidence that this happens?

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Authors & Affiliations

Anders W. Sandvik

  • Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA

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Issue

Vol. 104, Iss. 17 — 30 April 2010

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