Finite-Temperature Transition into a Power-Law Spin Phase with an Extensive Zero-Point Entropy

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized frustrated XY model on a triangular lattice, revealing a finite-temperature phase with power-law correlations, extensive zero-point entropy, and surface-like fluctuating degrees of freedom, characterized through Monte Carlo simulations.

Contribution

It presents a novel XY generalization of the frustrated Ising model, demonstrating a new finite-temperature phase with unique power-law correlations and extensive entropy.

Findings

Identification of a finite-temperature power-law spin phase

Characterization of transition exponents via Monte Carlo simulations

Description of low-temperature phase as a fluctuating surface

Abstract

We introduce an $xy$ generalization of the frustrated Ising model on a triangular lattice. The presence of continuous degrees of freedom stabilizes a {\em finite-temperature} spin state with {\em power-law} discrete spin correlations and an extensive zero-point entropy. In this phase, the unquenched degrees of freedom can be described by a fluctuating surface with logarithmic height correlations. Finite-size Monte Carlo simulations have been used to characterize the exponents of the transition and the dynamics of the low-temperature phase.