Deconfinement in the Two-Dimensional XY Model
Abstract
The unbinding of vortex-antivortex pairs for the classical two-dimensional XY model in a magnetic field is studied. A single such pair is connected by a string of overturned spins, leading to linear confinement. We show that this system supports two phase transitions, one in which closed strings proliferate, and a second in which vortices unbind. The transitions are shown to be dual to one another, and are remarkably continuous. Possible consequences for a variety of systems are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- June 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.035703
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0112106
- Bibcode:
- 2002PhRvL..89c5703F
- Keywords:
-
- Condensed Matter - Statistical Mechanics;
- Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics;
- Condensed Matter - Superconductivity
- E-Print:
- 4 pages, 3 figures. Typos corrected, small but important change in intro. Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters