We introduce a quantum dimer model on the hexagonal lattice that, in addition
to the standard three-dimer kinetic and potential terms, includes a competing
potential part counting dimer-free hexagons. The zero-temperature phase diagram
is studied by means of quantum Monte Carlo simulations, supplemented by
variational arguments. It reveals some new crystalline phases and a cascade of
transitions with rapidly changing flux (tilt in the height language). We
analyze perturbatively the vicinity of the Rokhsar-Kivelson point, showing that
this model has the microscopic ingredients needed for the "devil's staircase"
scenario [E. Fradkin et al., Phys. Rev. B 69, 224415 (2004)], and is therefore
expected to produce fractal variations of the ground-state flux.Comment: Published version. 5 pages + 8 (Supplemental Material), 31
references, 10 color figure
