Quantum wetting transitions in two dimensions: An alternative path to non-universal interfacial singularities
Abstract
We consider two-dimensional (d=2) systems with short-ranged microscopic interactions, where interface unbinding (wetting) transitions occur in the limit of vanishing temperature T. For T = 0 the transition is characterized by non-universal critical properties analogous to those established for thermal wetting transitions in d = 3, albeit with a redefined capillary parameter \tildeω . Within a functional renormalization-group treatment of an effective interfacial model, we compute the finite-temperature phase diagram, exhibiting a line of interface unbinding transitions, terminating at T = 0 with an interfacial quantum-critical point. We identify distinct scaling regimes, reflecting the interplay between quantum and thermal interfacial fluctuations. A crossover line marking the onset of the quantum-critical regime is described by the d = 3 interfacial correlation-length exponent ν|| . This potentially opens another way to investigate the non-universal character of ν|| . On the other hand, the emergent interfacial quantum-critical regime shows no signatures of non-universality.
- Publication:
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EPL (Europhysics Letters)
- Pub Date:
- April 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1209/0295-5075/110/16002
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1501.05664
- Bibcode:
- 2015EL....11016002J
- Keywords:
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- Condensed Matter - Statistical Mechanics
- E-Print:
- EPL, 110 (2015) 16002