O(5) multicriticality in the 3D two flavor SU(2) lattice gauge Higgs model

TL;DR

This study numerically explores a 3D lattice gauge-Higgs model with SU(2) symmetry, revealing an O(5) multicritical point stabilized by gauge symmetry, with implications for deconfined quantum criticality.

Contribution

It demonstrates the stabilization of an O(5) multicritical point in a 3D SU(2) gauge-Higgs model, supporting theoretical predictions and advancing understanding of multicritical phenomena.

Findings

Confirmation of O(5) symmetry at the multicritical point

Gauge symmetry prevents instability of the O(5) point

Results align with Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson theory predictions

Abstract

We numerically investigate the multicritical behavior of the three dimensional lattice system in which a SU(2) gauge field is coupled to two flavors of scalar fields transforming in the fundamental representation of the gauge group. In this system a multicritical point is present, where the global symmetry O(2)$\oplus$O(3) gets enlarged to O(5). Such a symmetry enlargement is hindered for generic systems by the instability of the O(5) multicritical point, but the SU(2) gauge symmetry prevents the appearance of the term triggering the instability. All the numerical results obtained in this lattice gauge model fully support the expectations coming from the O(2)$\oplus$O(3) multicritical Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson $\phi^4$ theory, and we discuss possible implications of these results for some models of deconfined quantum criticality.