Generalized Kneser coloring theorems with combinatorial proofs

The Kneser conjecture (1955) was proved by Lov\'asz (1978) using the Borsuk-Ulam theorem; all subsequent proofs, extensions and generalizations also relied on Algebraic Topology results, namely the Borsuk-Ulam theorem and its extensions. Only in 2000, Matou\v{s}ek provided the first combinatorial proof of the Kneser conjecture. Here we provide a hypergraph coloring theorem, with a combinatorial proof, which has as special cases the Kneser conjecture as well as its extensions and generalization by (hyper)graph coloring theorems of Dol'nikov, Alon-Frankl-Lov\'asz, Sarkaria, and Kriz. We also give a combinatorial proof of Schrijver's theorem.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figure

Two-Dimensional Electrons in a Strong Magnetic Field with Disorder: Divergence of the Localization Length

Electrons on a square lattice with half a flux quantum per plaquette are considered. An effective description for the current loops is given by a two-dimensional Dirac theory with random mass. It is shown that the conductivity and the localization length can be calculated from a product of Dirac Green's functions with the {\it same} frequency. This implies that the delocalization of electrons in a magnetic field is due to a critical point in a phase with a spontaneously broken discrete symmetry. The estimation of the localization length is performed for a generalized model with $N$ fermion levels using a $1/N$--expansion and the Schwarz inequality. An argument for the existence of two Hall transition points is given in terms of percolation theory.Comment: 10 pages, RevTeX, no figure

Level statistics and localization in a 2D quantum percolation problem

A two dimensional model for quantum percolation with variable tunneling range is studied. For this purpose the Lifshitz model is considered where the disorder enters the Hamiltonian via the nondiagonal elements. We employ a numerical method to analyze the level statistics of this model. It turns out that the level repulsion is strongest around the percolation threshold. As we go away from the maximum level repulsion a crossover from a GOE type behavior to a Poisson like distribution is indicated. The localization properties are calculated by using the sensitivity to boundary conditions and we find a strong crossover from localized to delocalized states.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Phase Transitions of Fermions Coupled to a Gauge Field: a Quantum Monte Carlo Approach

A grand canonical system of non-interacting fermions on a square lattice is considered at zero temperature. Three different phases exist: an empty lattice, a completely filled lattice and a liquid phase which interpolates between the other two phases. The Fermi statistics can be changed into a Bose statistics by coupling a statistical gauge field to the fermions. Using a quantum Monte Carlo method we investigate the effect of the gauge field on the critical properties of the lattice fermions. It turns out that there is no significant change of the phase diagram or the density of particles due to the gauge field even at the critical points. This result supports a recent conjecture by Huang and Wu that certain properties of a three-dimensional flux line system (which is equivalent to two-dimensional hard-core bosons) can be explained with non-interacting fermion models.Comment: 12 pages, Plain-Tex, 5 figure