Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition

The nature of the θ point for a polymer in two dimensions has long been debated, with a variety of candidates put forward for the critical exponents. This includes those derived by Duplantier and Saleur for an exactly solvable model. We use a representation of the problem via the CPN−1 σ model in th...

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Main Author: Nahum, A
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: American Physical Society 2016
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author Nahum, A
author_facet Nahum, A
author_sort Nahum, A
collection OXFORD
description The nature of the θ point for a polymer in two dimensions has long been debated, with a variety of candidates put forward for the critical exponents. This includes those derived by Duplantier and Saleur for an exactly solvable model. We use a representation of the problem via the CPN−1 σ model in the limit N → 1 to determine the stability of this critical point. First we prove that the Duplantier-Saleur (DS) critical exponents are robust, so long as the polymer does not cross itself: They can arise in a generic lattice model and do not require fine-tuning. This resolves a longstanding theoretical question. We also address an apparent paradox: Two different lattice models, apparently both in the DS universality class, show different numbers of relevant perturbations, apparently leading to contradictory conclusions about the stability of the DS exponents. We explain this in terms of subtle differences between the two models, one of which is fine-tuned (and not strictly in the DS universality class). Next we allow the polymer to cross itself, as appropriate, e.g., to the quasi-two-dimensional case. This introduces an additional independent relevant perturbation, so we do not expect the DS exponents to apply. The exponents in the case with crossings will be those of the generic tricritical O(n) model at n = 0 and different from the case without crossings. We also discuss interesting features of the operator content of the CPN−1 model. Simple geometrical arguments show that two operators in this field theory, with very different symmetry properties, have the same scaling dimension for any value of N (or, equivalently, any value of the loop fugacity). Also we argue that for any value of N the CPN−1 model has a marginal odd-parity operator that is related to the winding angle
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spelling oxford-uuid:d2bef8ed-6967-4898-b296-5667c50f761b2022-03-27T08:06:11ZUniversality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transitionJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:d2bef8ed-6967-4898-b296-5667c50f761bEnglishSymplectic Elements at OxfordAmerican Physical Society2016Nahum, AThe nature of the θ point for a polymer in two dimensions has long been debated, with a variety of candidates put forward for the critical exponents. This includes those derived by Duplantier and Saleur for an exactly solvable model. We use a representation of the problem via the CPN−1 σ model in the limit N → 1 to determine the stability of this critical point. First we prove that the Duplantier-Saleur (DS) critical exponents are robust, so long as the polymer does not cross itself: They can arise in a generic lattice model and do not require fine-tuning. This resolves a longstanding theoretical question. We also address an apparent paradox: Two different lattice models, apparently both in the DS universality class, show different numbers of relevant perturbations, apparently leading to contradictory conclusions about the stability of the DS exponents. We explain this in terms of subtle differences between the two models, one of which is fine-tuned (and not strictly in the DS universality class). Next we allow the polymer to cross itself, as appropriate, e.g., to the quasi-two-dimensional case. This introduces an additional independent relevant perturbation, so we do not expect the DS exponents to apply. The exponents in the case with crossings will be those of the generic tricritical O(n) model at n = 0 and different from the case without crossings. We also discuss interesting features of the operator content of the CPN−1 model. Simple geometrical arguments show that two operators in this field theory, with very different symmetry properties, have the same scaling dimension for any value of N (or, equivalently, any value of the loop fugacity). Also we argue that for any value of N the CPN−1 model has a marginal odd-parity operator that is related to the winding angle
spellingShingle Nahum, A
Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title_full Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title_fullStr Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title_full_unstemmed Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title_short Universality class of the two-dimensional polymer collapse transition
title_sort universality class of the two dimensional polymer collapse transition
work_keys_str_mv AT nahuma universalityclassofthetwodimensionalpolymercollapsetransition