Wenan Guo

Phase transitions of the q-state Potts model on multiply-laced Sierpinski gaskets

We present an exact solution of the q-state Potts model on a class of generalized Sierpinski fractal lattices. The model is shown to possess an ordered phase at low temperatures and a continuous transition to the high temperature disordered phase at any q ≥ 1. Multicriticality is observed in the presence of a symmetry-breaking field. Exact renormalization group analysis yields the phase diagram of the model and a complete set of critical exponents at various transitions.

Phase transitions in the frustrated Ising model on the square lattice

We consider the thermal phase transition from a paramagnetic to stripe-antiferromagnetic phase in the frustrated two-dimensional square-lattice Ising model with competing interactions J1 0 (second neighbor, antiferromagnetic). The striped phase breaks a Z4 symmetry and is stabilized at low temperatures for g=J2/|J1|>1/2. Despite the simplicity of the model, it has proved difficult to precisely determine the order and the universality class of the phase transitions. This was done convincingly only recently by Jin et al. [PRL 108, 045702 (2012)]. Here, we further elucidate the nature of these transitions and their anomalies by employing a combination of cluster mean-field theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and transfer-matrix calculations. The J1-J2 model has a line of very weak first-order phase transitions in the whole region 1/2 1/2. Most of our results are based on Monte Carlo calculations, while the cluster mean-field and transfer-matrix results provide useful methodological bench-marks for weakly first-order behaviors and Ashkin-Teller criticality.

Cluster simulations of loop models on two-dimensional lattices

We develop cluster algorithms for a broad class of loop models on two-dimensional lattices, including several standard O(n) loop models at n> or =1. We show that our algorithm has little or no critical slowing-down when 1< or =n< or =2. We use this algorithm to investigate the honeycomb-lattice O(n) loop model, for which we determine several new critical exponents, and a square-lattice O(n) loop model, for which we obtain new information on the phase diagram.

Quantum criticality with two length scales

Describing an exotic magnetic transition Phase transitions can be caused by temperature fluctuations or, more exotically, by quantum fluctuations at zero temperature. To describe some of these quantum phase transitions, researchers came up with a complex theory called deconfined quantum criticality. However, subsequent numerical simulations were inconsistent with some of the predictions of the theory, leading to a debate on its validity. By using quantum Monte Carlo simulations, Shao et al. show that it is possible to reconcile numerics with the theory for a specific model of 2D quantum magnetism. Science, this issue p. 213 Quantum Monte Carlo simulations of a two-dimensional magnet are consistent with deconfined quantum criticality with modified scaling. The theory of deconfined quantum critical (DQC) points describes phase transitions at absolute temperature T = 0 outside the standard paradigm, predicting continuous transformations between certain ordered states where conventional theory would require discontinuities. Numerous computer simulations have offered no proof of such transitions, instead finding deviations from expected scaling relations that neither were predicted by the DQC theory nor conform to standard scenarios. Here we show that this enigma can be resolved by introducing a critical scaling form with two divergent length scales. Simulations of a quantum magnet with antiferromagnetic and dimerized ground states confirm the form, proving a continuous transition with deconfined excitations and also explaining anomalous scaling at T > 0. Our findings revise prevailing paradigms for quantum criticality, with potential implications for many strongly correlated materials.

Finite-size behavior of the critical Ising model on a rectangle with free boundaries.

Using the bond-propagation algorithm, we study the Ising model on a rectangle of size M×N with free boundaries. For five aspect ratios, ρ=M/N=1, 2, 4, 8, and 16, the critical free energy, internal energy and specific heat are calculated. The largest size reached is M×N=64×10(6). The accuracy of the free energy reaches 10(-26). Based on these accurate data, we determine exact expansions of the critical free energy, internal energy, and specific heat. With these expansions, we extract the bulk, surface, and corner parts of the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat. The fitted bulk free energy density is given by f(∞)=0.92969539834161021499(1), compared with Onsagers exact result f(∞)=0.929695398341610214985.... We confirm the conformal field theory (CFT) prediction of the corner free energy, in which the central charge of the Ising model is found to be c=0.5±1×10(-10), compared with the CFT result c=0.5. We find that not only the corner free energy but also the corner internal energy and specific heat are geometry independent, i.e., independent of aspect ratio. The implication of this finding for finite-size scaling is discussed. In the second-order correction of the free energy, we confirm the geometry dependence predicted by CFT and determine a geometry-independent constant beyond CFT. High-order corrections are also obtained.

Shape-dependent finite-size effect of the critical two-dimensional Ising model on a triangular lattice.

Using a bond-propagation algorithm, we study the finite-size behavior of the critical two-dimensional Ising model on a finite triangular lattice with free boundaries in five shapes: triangular, rhomboid, trapezoid, hexagonal, and rectangular. The critical free energy, internal energy, and specific heat are calculated. The accuracy of the free energy reaches 10(-26). Based on accurate data on several finite systems with linear size up to N=2000, we extract the bulk, surface, and corner parts of the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat accurately. We confirm the conformal field theory prediction that the corner free energy is universal and find logarithmic corrections in higher-order terms in the critical free energy for the rhomboid, trapezoid, and hexagonal systems, which are absent for the triangular and rectangular systems. The logarithmic edge corrections due to edges parallel or perpendicular to the bond directions in the internal energy are found to be identical, while the logarithmic edge corrections due to corresponding edges in the specific heat are different. The corner internal energy and corner specific heat for angles π/3, π/2, and 2π/3 are obtained, as well as higher-order corrections. Comparing with the corner internal energy and corner specific heat we previously found on a rectangle of the square lattice [Phys. Rev. E 86, 041149 (2012)], we conclude that the corner internal energy and corner specific heat for the rectangular shape are not universal.

Phase transitions in self-dual generalizations of the Baxter-Wu model

Abstract We study two types of generalized Baxter–Wu models, by means of transfer-matrix and Monte Carlo techniques. The first generalization allows for different couplings in the up- and down-triangles, and the second generalization is to a q -state spin model with three-spin interactions. Both generalizations lead to self-dual models, so that the probable locations of the phase transitions follow. Our numerical analysis confirms that phase transitions occur at the self-dual points. For both generalizations of the Baxter–Wu model, the phase transitions appear to be discontinuous.

Critical frontier of the Potts and percolation models on triangular-type and kagome-type lattices. II. Numerical analysis

In the preceding paper, one of us (F. Y. Wu) considered the Potts model and bond and site percolation on two general classes of two-dimensional lattices, the triangular-type and kagome-type lattices, and obtained closed-form expressions for the critical frontier with applications to various lattice models. For the triangular-type lattices Wus result is exact, and for the kagome-type lattices Wus expression is under a homogeneity assumption. The purpose of the present paper is twofold: First, an essential step in Wus analysis is the derivation of lattice-dependent constants A,B,C for various lattice models, a process which can be tedious. We present here a derivation of these constants for subnet networks using a computer algorithm. Second, by means of a finite-size scaling analysis based on numerical transfer matrix calculations, we deduce critical properties and critical thresholds of various models and assess the accuracy of the homogeneity assumption. Specifically, we analyze the q -state Potts model and the bond percolation on the 3-12 and kagome-type subnet lattices (n×n):(n×n) , n≤4 , for which the exact solution is not known. Our numerical determination of critical properties such as conformal anomaly and magnetic correlation length verifies that the universality principle holds. To calibrate the accuracy of the finite-size procedure, we apply the same numerical analysis to models for which the exact critical frontiers are known. The comparison of numerical and exact results shows that our numerical values are correct within errors of our finite-size analysis, which correspond to 7 or 8 significant digits. This in turn infers that the homogeneity assumption determines critical frontiers with an accuracy of 5 decimal places or higher. Finally, we also obtained the exact percolation thresholds for site percolation on kagome-type subnet lattices (1×1):(n×n) for 1≤n≤6 .

Accurate Expansions of Internal Energy and Specific Heat of Critical Two-Dimensional Ising Model with Free Boundaries

The bond-propagation algorithm for the specific heat of the two dimensional Ising model is developed and that for the internal energy is completed. Using these algorithms, we study the critical internal energy and specific heat of the model on the square lattice and triangular lattice with free boundaries. Comparing with previous works (Phys Rev E 86:041149, 2012; Phys Rev E 87:022124, 2013), we reach much higher accuracy (