The plaquette phase of the square lattice quantum dimer model

TL;DR

This paper investigates the square lattice quantum dimer model's plaquette phase using advanced quantum Monte Carlo simulations, accurately locating the phase transition point and analyzing correlation functions and finite-size effects.

Contribution

It provides a precise determination of the phase transition point and insights into finite-size effects, improving understanding of the model's critical properties.

Findings

Phase transition at V_c/J=0.60 ± 0.05

Long-range order in the plaquette phase

Finite-size corrections significantly affect critical behavior

Abstract

The plaquette phase of the square lattice quantum dimer model is studied using a continuous-time reptation quantum Monte Carlo method for lattices of sizes up to 48x48 sites. We determine the location of the phase transition between the columnar and plaquette phases to occur at V_c/J=0.60 +- 0.05 which is significantly larger than inferred from previous exact diagonalization studies on smaller lattices. Offdiagonal correlation functions are obtained. They exhibit long-range order in the plaquette phase but not at the Rokhsar-Kivelson point. We also observe significant finite-size corrections to scaling for the transition between the plaquette phase and the critical resonating valence bond liquid. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding finite-size effects when considering critical properties of the square lattice quantum dimer model.