Pushing the limits of Monte Carlo simulations for the three-dimensional Ising model

Out-of-equilibrium scaling of the energy density along the critical relaxational flow after a quench of the temperature

We study the out-of-equilibrium behavior of statistical systems along critical relaxational flows arising from instantaneous quenches of the temperature T to the critical point T_{c}, starting from equilibrium conditions at time t=0. In the case of soft quenches, i.e., when the initial temperature T is assumed sufficiently close to T_{c} (to keep the system within the critical regime), the critical modes develop an out-of-equilibrium finite-size-scaling (FSS) behavior in terms of the rescaled time variable Θ=t/L^{z}, where t is the time interval after quenching, L is the size of the system, and z is the dynamic exponent associated with the dynamics. However, the realization of this picture is less clear when considering the energy density, whose equilibrium scaling behavior (corresponding to the starting point of the relaxational flow) is generally dominated by a temperature-dependent regular background term or mixing with the identity operator. These issues are investigated by numerical analyses within the three-dimensional lattice N-vector models, for N=3 and 4, which provide examples of critical behaviors with negative values of the specific-heat critical exponent α, implying that also the critical behavior of the specific heat gets hidden by the background term. The results show that, after subtraction of its asymptotic critical value at T_{c}, the energy density develops an asymptotic out-of-equilibrium FSS in terms of Θ as well, whose scaling function appears singular in the small-Θ limit.

Deconfinement transitions in three-dimensional compact lattice Abelian Higgs models with multiple-charge scalar fields

We investigate the nature of the deconfinement transitions in three-dimensional lattice Abelian Higgs models, in which a complex scalar field of integer charge Q≥2 is minimally coupled with a compact U(1) gauge field. Their phase diagram presents two phases separated by a transition line where static charges q, with q Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Claudio Bonati Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università di Pisa and INFN Sezione di Pisa, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
Andrea Pelissetto Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università di Roma Sapienza and INFN Sezione di Roma I, I-00185 Roma, Italy
Ettore Vicari Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università di Pisa, I-56127 Pisa, Italy

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Finding critical points and correlation length exponents using finite size scaling of Gini index

The order parameter for a continuous transition shows diverging fluctuation near the critical point. Here we show, through numerical simulations and scaling arguments, that the inequality (or variability) between the values of an order parameter, measured near a critical point, is independent of the system size. Quantification of such variability through the Gini index (g) therefore leads to a scaling form g=G[|F-F_{c}|N^{1/dν}], where F denotes the driving parameter for the transition (e.g., temperature T for ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, or lattice occupation probability p in percolation), N is the system size, d is the spatial dimension and ν is the correlation length exponent. We demonstrate the scaling for the Ising model in two and three dimensions, site percolation on square lattice, and the fiber bundle model of fracture.

Critical behavior in a chiral molecular model

Understanding the condensed-phase behavior of chiral molecules is important in biology as well as in a range of technological applications, such as the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study a chiral four-site molecular model that exhibits a second-order symmetry-breaking phase transition from a supercritical racemic liquid into subcritical D-rich and L-rich liquids. We determine the infinite-size critical temperature using the fourth-order Binder cumulant, and we show that the finite-size scaling behavior of the order parameter is compatible with the 3D Ising universality class. We also study the spontaneous D-rich to L-rich transition at a slightly subcritical temperature of T = 0.985Tc, and our findings indicate that the free energy barrier for this transformation increases with system size as N2/3, where N is the number of molecules, consistent with a surface-dominated phenomenon. The critical behavior observed herein suggests a mechanism for chirality selection in which a liquid of chiral molecules spontaneously forms a phase enriched in one of the two enantiomers as the temperature is lowered below the critical point. Furthermore, the increasing free energy barrier with system size indicates that fluctuations between the L-rich and D-rich phases are suppressed as the size of the system increases, trapping it in one of the two enantiomerically enriched phases. Such a process could provide the basis for an alternative explanation for the origin of biological homochirality. We also conjecture the possibility of observing nucleation at subcritical temperatures under the action of a suitable chiral external field.

Critical dynamical behavior of the Ising model

We investigate the dynamical critical behavior of the two- and three-dimensional Ising models with Glauber dynamics in equilibrium. In contrast to the usual standing, we focus on the mean-squared deviation of the magnetization M, MSD_{M}, as a function of time, as well as on the autocorrelation function of M. These two functions are distinct but closely related. We find that MSD_{M} features a first crossover at time τ_{1}∼L^{z_{1}}, from ordinary diffusion with MSD_{M}∼t, to anomalous diffusion with MSD_{M}∼t^{α}. Purely on numerical grounds, we obtain the values z_{1}=0.45(5) and α=0.752(5) for the two-dimensional Ising ferromagnet. Related to this, the magnetization autocorrelation function crosses over from an exponential decay to a stretched-exponential decay. At later times, we find a second crossover at time τ_{2}∼L^{z_{2}}. Here, MSD_{M} saturates to its late-time value ∼L^{2+γ/ν}, while the autocorrelation function crosses over from stretched-exponential decay to simple exponential one. We also confirm numerically the value z_{2}=2.1665(12), earlier reported as the single dynamic exponent. Continuity of MSD_{M} requires that α(z_{2}-z_{1})=γ/ν-z_{1}. We speculate that z_{1}=1/2 and α=3/4, values that indeed lead to the expected z_{2}=13/6 result. A complementary analysis for the three-dimensional Ising model provides the estimates z_{1}=1.35(2), α=0.90(2), and z_{2}=2.032(3). While z_{2} has attracted significant attention in the literature, we argue that for all practical purposes z_{1} is more important, as it determines the number of statistically independent measurements during a long simulation.

Multicritical bifurcation and first-order phase transitions in a three-dimensional Blume-Capel antiferromagnet

We present a detailed study by Monte Carlo simulations and finite-size scaling analysis of the phase diagram and ordered bulk phases for the three-dimensional Blume-Capel antiferromagnet in the space of temperature and magnetic and crystal fields (or two chemical potentials in an equivalent lattice-gas model with two particle species and vacancies). The phase diagram consists of surfaces of second- and first-order transitions that enclose a "volume" of ordered phases in the phase space. At relatively high temperatures, these surfaces join smoothly along a line of tricritical points, and at zero magnetic field we obtain good agreement with known values for tricritical exponent ratios [Y. Deng and H. W. J. Blöte, Phys. Rev. E 70, 046111 (2004)10.1103/PhysRevE.70.046111]. In limited field regions at lower temperatures (symmetric under reversal of the magnetic field), the tricritical line for this three-dimensional model bifurcates into lines of critical endpoints and critical points, connected by a surface of weak first-order transitions inside the region of ordered phases. This phenomenon is not seen in the two-dimensional version of the same model. We confirm the location of the bifurcation as previously reported [Y.-L. Wang and J. D. Kimel, J. Appl. Phys. 69, 6176 (1991)0021-897910.1063/1.348797], and we identify the phases separated by this first-order surface as antiferromagnetically (three-dimensional checker-board) ordered with different vacancy densities. We visualize the phases by real-space snapshots and by structure factors in the three-dimensional space of wave vectors.

Geometric scaling behaviors of the Fortuin-Kasteleyn Ising model in high dimensions

Recently, we argued [Chin. Phys. Lett. 39, 080502 (2022)0256-307X10.1088/0256-307X/39/8/080502] that the Ising model simultaneously exhibits two upper critical dimensions (d_{c}=4,d_{p}=6) in the Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) random-cluster representation. In this paper, we perform a systematic study of the FK Ising model on hypercubic lattices with spatial dimensions d from 5 to 7, and on the complete graph. We provide a detailed data analysis of the critical behaviors of a variety of quantities at and near the critical points. Our results clearly show that many quantities exhibit distinct critical phenomena for 4<d<6 and d≥6, and thus strongly support the argument that 6 is also an upper critical dimension. Moreover, for each studied dimension, we observe the existence of two configuration sectors, two lengthscales, as well as two scaling windows, and thus two sets of critical exponents are needed to describe these behaviors. Our finding enriches the understanding of the critical phenomena in the Ising model.

Reply to Perk, J.H.H. Comment on “Zhang, D. Exact Solution for Three-Dimensional Ising Model. Symmetry 2021, 13, 1837”

In this reply, I point out that the comment by Jacques H. H. Perk [...]

Comment on Zhang, D. Exact Solution for Three-Dimensional Ising Model. Symmetry 2021, 13, 1837

We show that Zhang Degang’s claimed solution of the three-dimensional Ising model has fatal irreparable errors.

Relevant Analytic Spontaneous Magnetization Relation for the Face-Centered-Cubic Ising Lattice

The relevant approximate spontaneous magnetization relations for the simple-cubic and body-centered-cubic Ising lattices have recently been obtained analytically by a novel approach that conflates the Callen-Suzuki identity with a heuristic odd-spin correlation magnetization relation. By exploiting this approach, we study an approximate analytic spontaneous magnetization expression for the face-centered-cubic Ising lattice. We report that the results of the analytic relation obtained in this work are nearly consistent with those derived from the Monte Carlo simulation.

Critical Probability Distributions of the Order Parameter from the Functional Renormalization Group

We show that the functional renormalization group (FRG) allows for the calculation of the probability distribution function of the sum of strongly correlated random variables. On the example of the three-dimensional Ising model at criticality and using the simplest implementation of the FRG, we compute the probability distribution functions of the order parameter or, equivalently, its logarithm, called the rate functions in large deviation theory. We compute the entire family of universal scaling functions, obtained in the limit where the system size L and the correlation length of the infinite system ξ_{∞} diverge, with the ratio ζ=L/ξ_{∞} held fixed. It compares very accurately with numerical simulations.

What Does It Take to Solve the 3D Ising Model? Minimal Necessary Conditions for a Valid Solution

An exact solution of the Ising model on the simple cubic lattice is one of the long-standing open problems in rigorous statistical mechanics. Indeed, it is generally believed that settling it would constitute a methodological breakthrough, fomenting great prospects for further application, similarly to what happened when Lars Onsager solved the two-dimensional model eighty years ago. Hence, there have been many attempts to find analytic expressions for the exact partition function Z, but all such attempts have failed due to unavoidable conceptual or mathematical obstructions. Given the importance of this simple yet paradigmatic model, here we set out clear-cut criteria for any claimed exact expression for Z to be minimally plausible. Specifically, we present six necessary-but not sufficient-conditions that Z must satisfy. These criteria will allow very quick plausibility checks of future claims. As illustrative examples, we discuss previous mistaken "solutions", unveiling their shortcomings.

Critical behavior of the three-dimensional random-anisotropy Heisenberg model

We have studied the critical properties of the three-dimensional random anisotropy Heisenberg model by means of numerical simulations using the Parallel Tempering method. We have simulated the model with two different disorder distributions, cubic and isotropic ones, with two different anisotropy strengths for each disorder class. For the case of the anisotropic disorder, we have found evidence of universality by finding critical exponents and universal dimensionless ratios independent of the strength of the disorder. In the case of isotropic disorder distribution the situation is very involved: we have found two phase transitions in the magnetization channel which are merging for larger lattices remaining a zero magnetization low-temperature phase. Studying this region using a spin-glass order parameter we have found evidence for a spin-glass phase transition. We have estimated effective critical exponents for the spin-glass phase transition for the different values of the strength of the isotropic disorder, discussing the crossover regime.

Theory and experiments for disordered elastic manifolds, depinning, avalanches, and sandpiles

Domain walls in magnets, vortex lattices in superconductors, contact lines at depinning, and many other systems can be modeled as an elastic system subject to quenched disorder. The ensuing field theory possesses a well-controlled perturbative expansion around its upper critical dimension. Contrary to standard field theory, the renormalization group (RG) flow involves a function, the disorder correlator Δ(w), and is therefore termed the functional RG. Δ(w) is a physical observable, the auto-correlation function of the center of mass of the elastic manifold. In this review, we give a pedagogical introduction into its phenomenology and techniques. This allows us to treat both equilibrium (statics), and depinning (dynamics). Building on these techniques, avalanche observables are accessible: distributions of size, duration, and velocity, as well as the spatial and temporal shape. Various equivalences between disordered elastic manifolds, and sandpile models exist: an elastic string driven at a point and the Oslo model; disordered elastic manifolds and Manna sandpiles; charge density waves and Abelian sandpiles or loop-erased random walks. Each of the mappings between these systems requires specific techniques, which we develop, including modeling of discrete stochastic systems via coarse-grained stochastic equations of motion, super-symmetry techniques, and cellular automata. Stronger than quadratic nearest-neighbor interactions lead to directed percolation, and non-linear surface growth with additional Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) terms. On the other hand, KPZ without disorder can be mapped back to disordered elastic manifolds, either on the directed polymer for its steady state, or a single particle for its decay. Other topics covered are the relation between functional RG and replica symmetry breaking, and random-field magnets. Emphasis is given to numerical and experimental tests of the theory.

Non-equilibrium time-dependent solution to discrete choice with social interactions

We solve the binary decision model of Brock and Durlauf (2001) in time using a method reliant on the resolvent of the master operator of the stochastic process. Our solution is valid when not at equilibrium and can be used to exemplify path-dependent behaviours of the binary decision model. The solution is computationally fast and is indistinguishable from Monte Carlo simulation. Well-known metastable effects are observed in regions of the model’s parameter space where agent rationality is above a critical value, and we calculate the time scale at which equilibrium is reached using a highly accurate method based on first passage time theory. In addition to considering selfish agents, who only care to maximise their own utility, we consider altruistic agents who make decisions on the basis of maximising global utility. Curiously, we find that although altruistic agents coalesce more strongly on a particular decision, thereby increasing their utility in the short-term, they are also more prone to being subject to non-optimal metastable regimes as compared to selfish agents. The method used for this solution can be easily extended to other binary decision models, including Kirman’s model of ant recruitment Kirman (1993), and under reinterpretation also provides a time-dependent solution to the mean-field Ising model. Finally, we use our time-dependent solution to construct a likelihood function that can be used on non-equilibrium data for model calibration. This is a rare finding, since often calibration in economic agent based models must be done without an explicit likelihood function. From simulated data, we show that even with a well-defined likelihood function, model calibration is difficult unless one has access to data representative of the underlying model.

Scalar gauge-Higgs models with discrete Abelian symmetry groups

We investigate the phase diagram and the nature of the phase transitions of three-dimensional lattice gauge-Higgs models obtained by gauging the Z_{N} subgroup of the global Z_{q} invariance group of the Z_{q} clock model (N is a submultiple of q). The phase diagram is generally characterized by the presence of three different phases, separated by three distinct transition lines. We investigate the critical behavior along the two transition lines characterized by the ordering of the scalar field. Along the transition line separating the disordered-confined phase from the ordered-deconfined phase, standard arguments within the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson framework predict that the behavior is the same as in a generic ferromagnetic model with Z_{p} global symmetry, p being the ratio q/N. Thus, continuous transitions belong to the Ising and to the O(2) universality class for p=2 and p≥4, respectively, while for p=3 only first-order transitions are possible. The results of Monte Carlo simulations confirm these predictions. There is also a second transition line, which separates two phases in which gauge fields are essentially ordered. Along this line we observe the same critical behavior as in the Z_{q} clock model, as it occurs in the absence of gauge fields.

Finite-size scaling at fixed renormalization-group invariant

Finite-size scaling at fixed renormalization-group invariant is a powerful and flexible technique to analyze Monte Carlo data at a critical point. It consists in fixing a given renormalization-group invariant quantity to a given value, thereby trading its statistical fluctuations with those of a parameter driving the transition. One remarkable feature is the observed significant improvement of statistical accuracy of various quantities, as compared to a standard analysis. We review the method, discussing in detail its implementation, the error analysis, and a previously introduced covariance-based optimization. Comprehensive benchmarks on the Ising model in two and three dimensions show large gains in the statistical accuracy, which are due to cross-correlations between observables. As an application, we compute an accurate estimate of the inverse critical temperature of the improved O(2) ϕ^{4} model on a three-dimensional cubic lattice.

Analytical Expressions for Ising Models on High Dimensional Lattices

We use an m-vicinity method to examine Ising models on hypercube lattices of high dimensions d≥3. This method is applicable for both short-range and long-range interactions. We introduce a small parameter, which determines whether the method can be used when calculating the free energy. When we account for interaction with the nearest neighbors only, the value of this parameter depends on the dimension of the lattice d. We obtain an expression for the critical temperature in terms of the interaction constants that is in a good agreement with the results of computer simulations. For d=5,6,7, our theoretical estimates match the numerical results both qualitatively and quantitatively. For d=3,4, our method is sufficiently accurate for the calculation of the critical temperatures; however, it predicts a finite jump of the heat capacity at the critical point. In the case of the three-dimensional lattice (d=3), this contradicts the commonly accepted ideas of the type of the singularity at the critical point. For the four-dimensional lattice (d=4), the character of the singularity is under current discussion. For the dimensions d=1, 2 the m-vicinity method is not applicable.

Moment-generating function zeros in the study of phase transitions

Partition function zeros play a central role in the study of phase transitions. Recently, energy probability distribution (EPD) zeros were proposed as an alternative approach that solves some of the implementation issues present in the Fisher zeros method by allowing drastic reduction of the polynomial. Here, a formulation based on the EPD zeros that can reduce even more the polynomial degree while maintaining its accuracy is presented. This method has shown to be computationally cheaper than the EPD zeros, allowing the study of systems by using partition function zeros that would be unfeasible otherwise. In addition, the method can be easily extended to study phase transitions in external fields while maintaining all of its improvements.

Phase transitions in a three-dimensional Ising model with cluster weight studied by Monte Carlo simulations

The loop model is an important model of statistical mechanics and has been extensively studied in two-dimensional lattices. However, it is still difficult to simulate the loop model directly in three-dimensional lattices, especially in lattices with coordination numbers larger than 3. In this paper, a cluster weight Ising model is proposed by introducing an additional cluster weight n in the partition function of the traditional Ising model. This model is equivalent to the loop model on the two-dimensional lattice, but on the three-dimensional lattice, it is still not very clear whether or not these models have the same universality. By using a Monte Carlo method with cluster updates and color assignment, we obtain the global phase diagram containing the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases. The phase transition between the two phases is second order at 1≤n<n_{cri} and first order at n≥n_{cri}, where n_{cri}≈2. The thermal exponent y_{t} is equal to the system dimension d when the first-order transition occurs. For the second-order transitions, the numerical estimation of y_{t} and the magnetic exponent y_{m}, shows that the universalities of the two models on the three-dimensional lattice are different. Our results are helpful in the understanding of some traditional statistical mechanics models.

Exact Solution for Three-Dimensional Ising Model

The three-dimensional Ising model in a zero external field is exactly solved by operator algebras, similar to the Onsager’s approach in two dimensions. The partition function of the simple cubic crystal imposed by the periodic boundary condition along two directions and the screw boundary condition along the third direction is calculated rigorously. In the thermodynamic limit an integral replaces a sum in the formula of the partition function. The critical temperatures, at which order–disorder transitions in the infinite crystal occur along three axis directions, are determined. The analytical expressions for the internal energy and the specific heat are also presented.

From Asymptotic Series to Self-Similar Approximants

The review presents the development of an approach of constructing approximate solutions to complicated physics problems, starting from asymptotic series, through optimized perturbation theory, to self-similar approximation theory. The close interrelation of underlying ideas of these theories is emphasized. Applications of the developed approach are illustrated by typical examples demonstrating that it combines simplicity with good accuracy.

Monte Carlo renormalization-group calculation for the d=3 Ising model using a modified transformation

We present a simple approach to high-accuracy calculations of critical properties for the three-dimensional Ising model, without prior knowledge of the critical temperature. The iterative method uses a modified block-spin transformation with a tunable parameter to improve convergence in the Monte Carlo renormalization group trajectory. We found experimentally that the iterative method enables the calculation of the critical temperature simultaneously with a critical exponent.

Droplet condensation in the lattice gas with density functional theory

A density functional for the lattice gas with next-neighbor attractions (Ising model) from fundamental measure theory is applied to the problem of droplet states in three-dimensional, finite systems. The density functional is constructed via an auxiliary model with hard lattice gas particles and lattice polymers to incorporate the attractions. Similar to previous simulation studies, the sequence of droplets changing to cylinders and to planar slabs is found upon increasing the average density ρ[over ¯] in the system. Owing to the discreteness of the lattice, additional effects in the state curve for the chemical potential μ(ρ[over ¯]) are seen upon lowering the temperature away from the critical temperature [oscillations in μ(ρ[over ¯]) in the slab portion and spiky undulations in μ(ρ[over ¯]) in the cylinder portion as well as an undulatory behavior of the radius of the surface of tension R_{s} in the droplet region]. This behavior in the cylinder and droplet region is related to washed-out layering transitions at the surface of liquid cylinders and droplets. The analysis of the large-radius behavior of the surface tension γ(R_{s}) gave a dominant contribution ∝1/R_{s}^{2}, although the consistency of γ(R_{s}) with the asymptotic behavior of the radius-dependent Tolman length seems to suggest a weak logarithmic contribution ∝lnR_{s}/R_{s}^{2} in γ(R_{s}). The coefficient of this logarithmic term is smaller than a universal value derived with field-theoretic methods.

Density functional for the lattice gas from fundamental measure theory

We construct a density functional for the lattice gas or Ising model on square and cubic lattices based on lattice fundamental measure theory. To treat the nearest-neighbor attractions between the lattice gas particles, the model is mapped to a multicomponent model of hard particles with additional lattice polymers where effective attractions between particles arise from the depletion effect. The lattice polymers are further treated via the introduction of polymer clusters (labelled by the numbers of polymer they contain) such that the model becomes a multicomponent model of particles and polymer clusters with nonadditive hard interactions. The density functional for this nonadditive hard model is constructed with lattice fundamental measure theory. The resulting bulk phase diagram recovers the Bethe-Peierls approximation and planar interface tensions show a considerable improvement compared to the standard mean-field functional and are close to simulation results in three dimensions. We demonstrate the existence of planar interface solutions at chemical potentials away from coexistence when the equimolar interface position is constrained to arbitrary real values.

Thermodynamic properties of the spin S=3/2 quantum ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model in a transverse crystal field

The thermodynamic properties of the spin S=3/2 ferromagnetic Ising model in the presence of transverse and longitudinal crystal fields (equivalent to the Blume-Capel model with a transverse crystal field) have been studied by using two different approaches: (i) a zero-temperature mapping of the system onto a spin-1/2 quantum Ising model in longitudinal and transverse fields, together with time-independent quantum perturbation theory; and (ii) a standard mean-field approximation within the framework of the Bogoliubov inequality for the free energy. A very rich phase diagram, with different kinds of multicritical behavior, has been obtained. The results show first- and second-order transition lines, tricritical and tetracritical points, critical end points with a two-phase coexistence, double critical end points, and also double noncritical end points. Additionally, the behavior of the magnetization as a function of temperature, over a wide range of values of both longitudinal and transverse crystal fields, has also been analyzed in detail. While large magnitudes of the longitudinal crystal field select the z-spin components either in their states ±3/2 or ±1/2, it is surprising that a large transverse crystal field induces the spin component in the z direction to values ±1, which are completely different from any expected natural component. This comes indeed as a result of the zero-temperature mapping of the ground state with the superposition of the states 3/2 and -1/2, in one sector of the Hilbert space, and the states -3/2 and 1/2 on the other disjoint sector of the Hilbert space. This superposition for a large transverse crystal field prevails even for finite temperatures, implying that the exact critical points are obtained for the model on the one-dimensional lattice and the two-dimensional square lattice, and quite accurate estimates can be achieved for the three-dimensional simple cubic lattice.

Higher-charge three-dimensional compact lattice Abelian-Higgs models

We consider three-dimensional higher-charge multicomponent lattice Abelian-Higgs (AH) models, in which a compact U(1) gauge field is coupled to an N-component complex scalar field with integer charge q, so that they have local U(1) and global SU(N) symmetries. We discuss the dependence of the phase diagram, and the nature of the phase transitions, on the charge q of the scalar field and the number N≥2 of components. We argue that the phase diagram of higher-charge models presents three different phases, related to the condensation of gauge-invariant bilinear scalar fields breaking the global SU(N) symmetry, and to the confinement and deconfinement of external charge-one particles. The transition lines separating the different phases show different features, which also depend on the number N of components. Therefore, the phase diagram of higher-charge models substantially differs from that of unit-charge models, which undergo only transitions driven by the breaking of the global SU(N) symmetry, while the gauge correlations do not play any relevant role. We support the conjectured scenario with numerical results, based on finite-size scaling analyses of Monte Carlo simuations for doubly charged unit-length scalar fields with small and large number of components, i.e., N=2 and N=25.

Loop-Cluster Coupling and Algorithm for Classical Statistical Models

Potts spin systems play a fundamental role in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory and can be studied within the spin, the Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) bond or the q-flow (loop) representation. We introduce a Loop-Cluster (LC) joint model of bond-occupation variables interacting with q-flow variables and formulate an LC algorithm that is found to be in the same dynamical universality as the celebrated Swendsen-Wang algorithm. This leads to a theoretical unification for all the representations, and numerically, one can apply the most efficient algorithm in one representation and measure physical quantities in others. Moreover, by using the LC scheme, we construct a hierarchy of geometric objects that contain as special cases the q-flow clusters and the backbone of FK clusters, the exact values of whose fractal dimensions in two dimensions remain as an open question. Our work not only provides a unified framework and an efficient algorithm for the Potts model but also brings new insights into the rich geometric structures of the FK clusters.

Tricritical point in the mixed-spin Blume-Capel model on three-dimensional lattices: Metropolis and Wang-Landau sampling approaches

We investigate the mixed-spin Blume-Capel model with spin-1/2 and spin-S (S=1, 2, and 3) on the simple cubic and body-centered cubic lattices with single-ion-splitting crystal field (Δ) by using the Metropolis and the Wang-Landau Monte Carlo methods. We show that the two methods are complementary: The Wang-Landau algorithm is efficient to construct phase diagrams and the Metropolis algorithm allows access to large-sized lattices. By numerical simulations, we prove that the tricritical point is independent of S for both lattices. The positions of the tricritical point in the phase diagram are determined as [Δ_{t}/J=2.978(1); k_{B}T_{t}/J=0.439(1)] and [Δ_{t}/J=3.949(1); k_{B}T_{t}/J=0.854(1)] for the simple cubic and the body-centered cubic lattices, respectively. A very strong supercritical slowing down and hysteresis were observed in the Metropolis update close to first-order transitions for Δ>Δ_{t} in the body-centered cubic lattice. In addition, for both lattices we found a line of compensation points, where the two sublattice magnetizations have the same magnitude. We show that the compensation lines are also S independent.

Lattice Models for Protein Organization throughout Thylakoid Membrane Stacks

Proteins in photosynthetic membranes can organize into patterned arrays that span the membrane's lateral size. Attractions between proteins in different layers of a membrane stack can play a key role in this ordering, as was suggested by microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy and demonstrated by computer simulations of a coarse-grained model. The architecture of thylakoid membranes, however, also provides opportunities for interlayer interactions that instead disfavor the high protein densities of ordered arrangements. Here, we explore the interplay between these opposing driving forces and, in particular, the phase transitions that emerge in the periodic geometry of stacked thylakoid membrane disks. We propose a lattice model that roughly accounts for proteins' attraction within a layer and across the stromal gap, steric repulsion across the lumenal gap, and regulation of protein density by exchange with the stroma lamellae. Mean-field analysis and computer simulation reveal rich phase behavior for this simple model, featuring a broken-symmetry striped phase that is disrupted at both high and low extremes of chemical potential. The resulting sensitivity of microscopic protein arrangement to the thylakoid's mesoscale vertical structure raises intriguing possibilities for regulation of photosynthetic function.

High-resolution Monte Carlo study of the order-parameter distribution of the three-dimensional Ising model

We apply extensive Monte Carlo simulations to study the probability distribution P(m) of the order parameter m for the simple cubic Ising model with periodic boundary condition at the transition point. Sampling is performed with the Wolff cluster flipping algorithm, and histogram reweighting together with finite-size scaling analyses are then used to extract a precise functional form for the probability distribution of the magnetization, P(m), in the thermodynamic limit. This form should serve as a benchmark for other models in the three-dimensional Ising universality class.

Monte Carlo static and dynamic simulations of a three-dimensional Ising critical model

The critical dynamics of 'model A" of Hohenberg and Halperin has been studied by the Monte Carlo method. Simulations have been carried out in the three-dimensional (3d) simple cubic Ising model for lattices of sizes L=16 to L=512. Using Wolff's cluster algorithm, the critical temperature is precisely found as β_{c}=0.22165468(5). By Fourier transform of the lattice configurations, the critical scattering intensities I(q[over ⃗]) can be obtained. After circular averaging, the static simulations with L=256 and L=512 provide an estimate of the critical exponent γ/ν=2-η=1.9640(5). The |q[over ⃗]|-dependent distribution of I(q[over ⃗]) showed an exponential distribution, corresponding to a Gaussian distribution of the scattering amplitudes for a large q domain. The time-dependent intensities were then used for the study of the critical dynamics of 3d lattices at the critical point. To simulate results of an x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy experiment, the time-dependent correlation function of the intensities was studied for each |q[over ⃗]|-value. In the q region where I(q[over ⃗]) had an exponential distribution, the time correlations can be fit to a stretched exponential, where the exponent μ=γ/νz≃0.975 provides an estimate of the dynamic exponent z. This corresponds to z=2.0145, in agreement with the observed variations of the characteristic fluctuation time of the intensity: τ(q)∝q^{-z}, which gives z=2.015. These results agree with the ε expansion of field-theoretical methods (2.017). In this paper, the need to take account of the anomalous time behavior (μ<1) in the dynamics is exemplified. This dynamics reflects a nonlinear time behavior of model A, and its large time extension is discussed in detail.

Dynamic critical exponent z of the three-dimensional Ising universality class: Monte Carlo simulations of the improved Blume-Capel model

We study purely dissipative relaxational dynamics in the three-dimensional Ising universality class. To this end, we simulate the improved Blume-Capel model on the simple cubic lattice by using local algorithms. We perform a finite size scaling analysis of the integrated autocorrelation time of the magnetic susceptibility in equilibrium at the critical point. We obtain z=2.0245(15) for the dynamic critical exponent. As a complement, fully magnetized configurations are suddenly quenched to the critical temperature, giving consistent results for the dynamic critical exponent. Furthermore, our estimate of z is fully consistent with recent field theoretic results.

Probing predictions due to the nonlocal interface Hamiltonian: Monte Carlo simulations of interfacial fluctuations in Ising films

Extensive Monte Carlo simulations have been performed on an Ising ferromagnet under conditions that would lead to complete wetting in a semi-infinite system. We studied an L×L×D slab geometry with oppositely directed surface fields so that a single interface is formed and can undergo a localization-delocalization transition. Under the chosen conditions the interface position is, on average, in the middle of the slab, and its fluctuations allow a sensitive test of predictions that the effective interactions between the interface and the confining surfaces are nonlocal. The decay of distance dependent correlation functions are measured within the surface, in the middle of the slab, and between middle and the surface for slabs of varying thickness D. From Fourier transforms of these correlation functions a nonlinear correlation length is extracted, and its behavior is found to confirm theoretical predictions for D>6 lattice spacings.

Observation of nonscalar and logarithmic correlations in two- and three-dimensional percolation

In bulk percolation, we exhibit operators that insert N clusters with any given symmetry under the symmetric group S_{N}. At the critical threshold, this leads to predictions that certain combinations of two-point correlation functions depend logarithmically on distance, without the usual power law. The behavior under rotations of certain amplitudes of correlators is also determined exactly. All these results hold in any dimension, 2≤d≤6. Moreover, in d=2 the critical exponents and universal logarithmic prefactors are obtained exactly. We test these predictions against extensive simulations of critical bond percolation in d=2 and 3, for all correlators up to N=4 (d=2) and N=3 (d=3), finding excellent agreement. In d=3 we further obtain precise numerical estimates for critical exponents and logarithmic prefactors.

Diffusion of interface and heat conduction in the three-dimensional Ising model

We investigate the relationship between a diffusive motion of an interface, heat conduction, and the roughening transition in the three-dimensional Ising model. We numerically compute the thermal conductivity and the diffusion constant and find that the diffusion constant shows a crossover in its temperature dependence. The crossover temperature is equal to the roughening transition temperature in equilibrium and deviates from it when heat flows in the system. From these results, we discuss the possibility that heat conduction causes a shift of the roughening transition temperature.

Geometric properties of the Fortuin-Kasteleyn representation of the Ising model

We present a Monte Carlo study of the geometric properties of Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) clusters of the Ising model on square [two-dimensional (2D)] and simple-cubic [three-dimensional (3D)] lattices. The wrapping probability, a dimensionless quantity characterizing the topology of the FK clusters on a torus, is found to suffer from smaller finite-size corrections than the well-known Binder ratio and yields a high-precision critical coupling as K_{c}(3D)=0.221654631(8). We then study other geometric properties of FK clusters at criticality. It is demonstrated that the distribution of the critical largest-cluster size C_{1} follows a single-variable function as P(C_{1},L)dC_{1}=P[over ̃](x)dx with x≡C_{1}/L^{d_{F}} (L is the linear size), where the fractal dimension d_{F} is identical to the magnetic exponent. An interesting bimodal feature is observed in distribution P[over ̃](x) in three dimensions, and attributed to the different approaching behaviors for K→K_{c}+0^{±}. To characterize the compactness of the FK clusters, we measure their graph distances and determine the shortest-path exponents as d_{min}(3D)=1.25936(12) and d_{min}(2D)=1.0940(2). Further, by excluding all the bridges from the occupied bonds, we obtain bridge-free configurations and determine the backbone exponents as d_{B}(3D)=2.1673(15) and d_{B}(2D)=1.7321(4). The estimates of the universal wrapping probabilities for the 3D Ising model and of the geometric critical exponents d_{min} and d_{B} either improve over the existing results or have not been reported yet. We believe that these numerical results would provide a testing ground in the development of further theoretical treatments of the 3D Ising model.

Describing phase transitions in field theory by self-similar approximants

Self-similar approximation theory is shown to be a powerful tool for describing phase transitions in quantum field theory. Self-similar approximants present the extrapolation of asymptotic series in powers of small variables to the arbitrary values of the latter, including the variables tending to infinity. The approach is illustrated by considering three problems: (i) The influence of the coupling parameter strength on the critical temperature of the O(N)-symmetric multicomponent field theory. (ii) The calculation of critical exponents for the phase transition in the O(N)-symmetric field theory. (iii) The evaluation of deconfinement temperature in quantum chromodynamics. The results are in good agreement with the available numerical calculations, such as Monte Carlo simulations, Padé-Borel summation, and lattice data.

Renormalization group for the φ^{4} theory with long-range interaction and the critical exponent η of the Ising model

We calculate the critical exponent η of the D-dimensional Ising model from a simple truncation of the functional renormalization group flow equations for a scalar field theory with long-range interaction. Our approach relies on the smallness of the inverse range of the interaction and on the assumption that the Ginzburg momentum defining the width of the scaling regime in momentum space is larger than the scale where the renormalized interaction crosses over from long range to short range; the numerical value of η can then be estimated by stopping the renormalization group flow at this scale. In three dimensions our result η=0.03651 is in good agreement with recent conformal bootstrap and Monte Carlo calculations. We extend our calculations to fractional dimensions D and obtain the resulting critical exponent η(D) between two and four dimensions. For dimensions 2≤D≤3 our result for η is consistent with previous calculations.