Finite size scaling and first order phase transition in a modified XY-model

Monte Carlo simulation has been performed in a two-dimensional modified XY-model first proposed by Domany et. al [E. Domany, M. Schick and R. H. Swendsen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 52, 1535 (1984)]. The cluster algorithm of Wolff has been used and multiple histogram reweighting is performed. The first order scaling behavior of the quantities like specific heat, order parameter susceptibility and free energy barrier are found to be obeyed accurately. While the lowest order correlation function was found to decay to zero at long distance just above the transition, the next higher order correlation function shows a non-zero plateau.Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures, Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.