Abstract
We study fixed points of the easy-plane CPN-1 field theory by combining quantum Monte Carlo simulations of lattice models of easy-plane SU(N) superfluids with field theoretic renormalization group calculations, by using ideas of deconfined criticality. From our simulations, we present evidence that at small N our lattice model has a first-order phase transition which progressively weakens as N increases, eventually becoming continuous for large values of N. Renormalization group calculations in 4-ϵ dimensions provide an explanation of these results as arising due to the existence of an Nep that separates the fate of the flows with easy-plane anisotropy. When N<Nep, the renormalization group flows to a discontinuity fixed point, and hence a first-order transition arises. On the other hand, for N>Nep, the flows are to a new easy-plane CPN-1 fixed point that describes the quantum criticality in the lattice model at large N. Our lattice model at its critical point, thus, gives efficient numerical access to a new strongly coupled gauge-matter field theory.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 187202 |
Journal | Physical review letters |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 3 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Physics and Astronomy