Finite-size-scaling analysis of the XY universality class between two and three dimensions: An application of Novotny's transfer-matrix method

Based on Novotny's transfer-matrix method, we simulated the (stacked) triangular Ising antiferromagnet embedded in the space with the dimensions variable in the range 2 \le d \le 3. Our aim is to investigate the criticality of the XY universality class for 2 \le d \le 3. For that purpose, we employed an extended version of the finite-size-scaling analysis developed by Novotny, who utilized this scheme to survey the Ising criticality (ferromagnet) for 1 \le d \le 3. Diagonalizing the transfer matrix for the system sizes N up to N=17, we calculated the $d$-dependent correlation-length critical exponent \nu(d). Our simulation result \nu(d) appears to interpolate smoothly the known two limiting cases, namely, the KT and d=3 XY universality classes, and the intermediate behavior bears close resemblance to that of the analytical formula via the 1/N-expansion technique. Methodological details including the modifications specific to the present model are reported

Phase Diagram of a Superconducting and Antiferromagnetic System with SO(5) Symmetry

Temperature vs. chemical-potential phase diagrams of an SO(5) model for high-(T_c) cuprates are calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. There is a bicritical point where the second-order antiferromagnetism (AF) and superconductivity transition lines merge tangentially into a first-order line, and the SO(5) symmetry is achieved. In an external magnetic field, the AF ordering is first order in the region where the first-order melting line of flux lattice joins in. There is a tricritical point on the AF transition line from which the AF ordering becomes second order.Comment: 6 pages, 5 postscript figures, RevTe

Understanding Enhanced Boiling With Triton X Surfactants

Heat transfer performance in pool boiling is largely dictated by bubble growth, departure, and number of nucleation sites. It is a well known phenomenon that adding surfactants can lower the liquid-vapor surface tension and increase the bubble departure frequency, thereby enhancing heat transfer. In addition to faster departure rates, surfactants are observed to dramatically increase the number of nucleation sites, which cannot be explained by simple surface tension arguments. Furthermore, it is not well understood which surfactant properties such as chemical composition and molecular structure affect boiling most significantly. From our experiments using Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 nonionic surfactants, we attribute boiling enhancement mainly to adsorption to the solid-liquid interface. Using the Mikic-Rohsenow model for boiling, a simple linear adsorption model, and the Cassie-Baxter description for contact angle, we developed a model that shows agreement with experimental results. This work offers some insights on how to predict boiling enhancement based on surfactant chemistry alone, which may aid in choosing optimal surfactants for boiling in the future.National Science Foundation (U.S.). Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (Program) (DMR - 0819762

Two-dimensional periodic frustrated Ising models in a transverse field

We investigate the interplay of classical degeneracy and quantum dynamics in a range of periodic frustrated transverse field Ising systems at zero temperature. We find that such dynamics can lead to unusual ordered phases and phase transitions, or to a quantum spin liquid (cooperative paramagnetic) phase as in the triangular and kagome lattice antiferromagnets, respectively. For the latter, we further predict passage to a bond-ordered phase followed by a critical phase as the field is tilted. These systems also provide exact realizations of quantum dimer models introduced in studies of high temperature superconductivity.Comment: Revised introduction; numerical error in hexagonal section correcte

Ordered phase and scaling in ZnZ_n models and the three-state antiferromagnetic Potts model in three dimensions

Based on a Renormalization-Group picture of $Z_n$ symmetric models in three dimensions, we derive a scaling law for the $Z_n$ order parameter in the ordered phase. An existing Monte Carlo calculation on the three-state antiferromagnetic Potts model, which has the effective $Z_6$ symmetry, is shown to be consistent with the proposed scaling law. It strongly supports the Renormalization-Group picture that there is a single massive ordered phase, although an apparently rotationally symmetric region in the intermediate temperature was observed numerically.Comment: 5 pages in REVTEX, 2 PostScript figure

Structures and orientational transitions in thin films of tilted hexatic smectics

We present detailed systematic studies of structural transformations in thin liquid crystal films with the smectic-C to hexatic phase transition. For the first time all possible structures reported in the literature are observed for one material (5 O.6) at the variation of temperature and thickness. In unusual modulated structures the equilibrium period of stripes is twice with respect to the domain size. We interpret these patterns in the frame work of phenomenological Landau type theory, as equilibrium phenomena produced by a natural geometric frustration in a system having spontaneous splay distortion.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Criticality versus q in the 2+1-dimensional ZqZ_q clock model

Using Monte Carlo simulations we have studied the $d=3$ $Z_q$ clock model in two different representations, the phase-representation and the loop/dumbbell-gas (LDG) representation. We find that for $q \ge 5$ the critical exponents $\alpha$ and $\nu$ for the specific heat and the correlation length, respectively, take on values corresponding to the case $q\to \infty$, where $\lim_{q \to \infty} Z_q = 3DXY$ model, i.e. in terms of critical properties the limiting behaviour is reached already at $q=5$.Comment: Minor corrections; journal ref adde

Bicritical and tetracritical phenomena and scaling properties of the SO(5) theory

By large scale Monte Carlo simulations it is shown that the stable fixed point of the SO(5) theory is either bicritical or tetracritical depending on the effective interaction between the antiferromagnetism and superconductivity orders. There are no fluctuation-induced first-order transitions suggested by epsilon expansions. Bicritical and tetracritical scaling functions are derived for the first time and critical exponents are evaluated with high accuracy. Suggestions on experiments are given.Comment: 11 pages, 8 postscript figures, Revtex, revised versio

Magnetic-Field Induced First-Order Transition in the Frustrated XY Model on a Stacked Triangular Lattice

The results of extensive Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic-field induced transitions in the xy model on a stacked triangular lattice with antiferromagnetic intraplane and ferromagnetic interplane interactions are discussed. A low-field transition from the paramagnetic to a 3-state (Potts) phase is found to be very weakly first order with behavior suggesting tricriticality at zero field. In addition to clarifying some long-standing ambiguity concerning the nature of this Potts-like transition, the present work also serves to further our understanding of the critical behavior at $T_N$, about which there has been much controversy.Comment: 10 pages (RevTex 3.0), 4 figures available upon request, CRPS-93-0

Histogram Monte Carlo study of next-nearest-neighbor Ising antiferromagnet on a stacked triangular lattice

Critical properties of the Ising model on a stacked triangular lattice, with antiferromagnetic first and second-neighbor in-plane interactions, are studied by extensive histogram Monte Carlo simulations. The results, in conjunction with the recently determined phase diagram, strongly suggest that the transition from the period-3 ordered state to the paramagnetic phase remains in the xy universality class. This conclusion is in contrast with a previous suggestion of mean-field tricritical behavior.Comment: 13 pages (RevTex 3.0), 10 figures available upon request, CRPS-93-0