Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

AIP conference proceedings

Valence-bond-solid phases and quantum phase transitions in two-dimensional spin models with four-site interactions

Anders W. Sandvik

Published Jan 1, 2006• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We discuss zero‐temperature phase transititions from an antiferromagnetic ground state into a valence‐bond‐solid (VBS) in two different square‐lattice quantum spin models. In one limit these models reduce to the standard S = 1/2 XY and Heisenberg models, respectively, which have long‐range antiferromagnetic order at T = 0. Introducing particular types of four‐spin interactions, amenable to quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulation without negative‐sign problems, drives phase transitions into VBS states with broken Z4 symmetry. It has recently been argued that continuous quantum phase transitions of this nature represent a new class of deconfined quantum‐critical points [Senthil et al., Science 303, 1490 (2004)], which are not captured within the standard Ginzburg‐Landau framework of phase transitions. Here we discuss a QMC study aimed at accurately characterizing the transition in the XY model. We find some evidence that the transition is actually weakly first‐order, but other scenarios, such as a continuous transition violating hyperscaling, also cannot be completely ruled out. For the Heisenberg model with four‐spin interactions we have confirmed that a VBS state exists. Preliminary finite‐size scaling results show consistency with a continuous transition into the Néel state, with dynamic exponent z = 1. This model is thus a candidate for deconfined quantum criticality.

DOI
10.1063/1.2178047

Related papers

Nature of the antiferromagnetic to valence-bond-solid quantum phase transition in a 2D XY-model with four-site interactions

Anders W. Sandvik, Roger G. Melko

We report large-scale quantum Monte Carlo calculations at the T=0 antiferromagnetic to valence-bond-solid (VBS) transition of a two-dimensional S=1/2 XY model with four-spin interactions. Finite-size scaling suggests a discontinuous spin stiffness, but a continuous VBS order-parameter. We propose that this is a continuous VBS transition without critical spin fluctuations. We also argue that the system is close to a point, in an extended parameter space, where both the magnetic and VBS fluctuations are critical--possibly a deconfined quantum-critical point.

arXiv:cond-mat/0604451•Apr 19, 2006•1 citation

Evidence for Deconfined Quantum Criticality in a Two-Dimensional Heisenberg Model with Four-Spin Interactions

Anders W. Sandvik

Using ground-state projector quantum Monte Carlo simulations in the valence-bond basis, it is demonstrated that nonfrustrating four-spin interactions can destroy the Néel order of the two-dimensional S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet and drive it into a valence-bond solid (VBS) phase. Results for spin and dimer correlations are consistent with a single continuous transition, and all data exhibit finite-size scaling with a single set of exponents, z=1, nu=0.78+/-0.03, and eta=0.26+/-0.03. The unusually large eta and an emergent U(1) symmetry, detected using VBS order parameter histograms, provide strong evidence for a deconfined quantum critical point.

arXiv:cond-mat/0611343•Physical Review Letters•Jun 1, 2007•517 citations

From an Antiferromagnet to a Valence Bond Solid: Evidence for a First Order Phase Transition

Matthias Nyfeler, Fu-Jiun Jiang, U.‐J. Wiese +3 more

Using a loop‐cluster algorithm we investigate the spin 12 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice with exchange coupling J and a four‐spin interaction of strength Q. We confirm the existence of a phase transition separating antiferromagnetism at J/Q>Jc/Q from a valence bond solid (VBS) state at J/Q<Jc/Q. Although our Monte Carlo data are consistent with those of previous studies, we do not confirm the existence of a deconfined quantum critical point. Instead, using a flowgram method on lattices as large as 802, we find evidence for a weak first order phase transition. We also present a detailed study of the antiferromagnetic phase. For J/Q>Jc/Q the staggered magnetization, the spin stiffness, and the spinwave velocity of the antiferromagnet are determined by fitting Monte Carlo data to analytic results from the systematic low‐energy effective field theory for magnons. Finally, we also investigate the physics of the VBS state at J/Q<Jc/Q, and we show that long but finite antiferromagnetic correlations are still present.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2009•12 citations

From an antiferromagnet to a valence bond solid: evidence for a first-order phase transition

F-J Jiang, Matthias Nyfeler, Shailesh Chandrasekharan A +1 more

Using a loop–cluster algorithm we investigate the spin- Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice with exchange coupling J and an additional four-spin interaction of strength Q . We confirm the existence of a phase transition separating antiferromagnetism at J / Q > J c / Q from a valence bond solid (VBS) state at J / Q < J c / Q . Although our Monte Carlo data are consistent with those of previous studies, we do not confirm the existence of a deconfined quantum critical point. Instead, using a flowgram method on lattices as large as 80 2 , we find evidence for a weak first-order phase transition. We also present a detailed study of the antiferromagnetic phase. For J / Q > J c / Q the staggered magnetization, the spin stiffness and the spinwave velocity of the antiferromagnet are determined by fitting Monte Carlo data to analytic results from the systematic low-energy effective field theory for magnons. Finally, we also investigate the physics of the VBS state at J / Q < J c / Q and we show that long but finite antiferromagnetic correlations are still present.

arXiv:0710.3926•Journal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment•Feb 25, 2008•131 citations

First-order Néel to columnar valence bond solid transition in a model square-lattice S=1 antiferromagnet

Julia Wildeboer, Nisheeta Desai, Jonathan D’Emidio +1 more

We study the N\'eel to fourfold columnar valence bond solid (cVBS) quantum phase transition in a sign-free $S=1$ square-lattice model. This is the same kind of transition that for $S=1/2$ has been argued to realize the prototypical deconfined critical point. Extensive numerical simulations of the square-lattice $S=1/2$ N\'eel-VBS transition have found consistency with the deconfined critical point scenario with no direct evidence for first-order behavior. In contrast to the $S=1/2$ case, in our quantum Monte Carlo simulations for the $S=1$ model, we present unambiguous evidence for a direct conventional first-order quantum phase transition. Classic signs of a first-order transition demonstrating coexistence including double-peaked histograms and switching behavior are observed. The sharp contrast from the $S=1/2$ case is remarkable; we hypothesize that this is a striking demonstration of the role of the size of the quantum spin in the phase diagram of two-dimensional lattice models.

arXiv:1808.04731•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Jan 13, 2020•11 citations

Valence-bond solids, vestigial order, and emergent SO(5) symmetry in a two-dimensional quantum magnet

Jun Takahashi, Anders W. Sandvik

We introduce a quantum spin-1/2 model with many-body correlated Heisenberg-type interactions on the two-dimensional square lattice, designed so that the system can host a fourfold degenerate plaquette valencebond solid (PVBS) ground state that spontaneously breaks Z 4 symmetry.The system is sign-problem free and amenable to large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations, thus allowing us to carry out a detailed study of the quantum phase transition between the standard Néel antiferromagnetic (AFM) and PVBS states.We find a first-order transition, in contrast to previously studied continuous transitions from the AFM phase into a columnar valence-bond solid (CVBS) phase.The theory of deconfined quantum criticality predicts generic continuous AFM-CVBS and AFM-PVBS transitions, and, in one version of the theory, the two critical order parameters transform under SO(5) symmetry.Emergent SO(5) symmetry has indeed been observed in studies of the AFM-CVBS transition, and here we show that the first-order AFM-PVBS transition also exhibits SO(5) symmetry at the transition point.Such unexpected symmetry of the coexistence state, which implies a lack of energy barriers between the coexisting phases, has recently been observed at other first-order transitions, but the case presented here is the first example with SO(5) symmetry.The extended symmetry may indicate that the transition is connected to a deconfined critical point.We also discuss the first-order transition in the context of a recent proposal of spinons with fracton properties in the PVBS state, concluding that the fracton scenario is unlikely.Furthermore, we discover a novel type of eightfold degenerate VBS phase, arising when the PVBS state breaks a remaining Z 2 symmetry.This second phase transition, which is continuous, implies that the PVBS phase can be regarded as an intermediate "vestigial" phase, a concept recently introduced to describe multistage phase transitions involving a continuous symmetry.Here we construct a six-dimensional order parameter and also introduce a general graph-theoretic approach to describe the two-stage discrete symmetry breaking.We discuss different ways of breaking the symmetries in one or two stages at zero and finite temperatures.In the latter case, we observe fluctuation-induced first-order transitions, which are hallmarks of vestigial phase transitions.We also mention possible connections of the AFM-PVBS transition to the SO(5) theory of high-T c superconductivity.

arXiv:2001.10045•Physical Review Research•Sep 22, 2020•40 citations
We discuss zero‐temperature phase transititions from an antiferromagnetic ground state into a valence‐bond‐solid (VBS) in two different square‐lattice quantum spin models. In one limit these models reduce to the standard S = 1/2 XY and Heisenberg models, respectively, which have long‐range antiferromagnetic order at T = 0. Introducing particular types of four‐spin interactions, amenable to quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulation without negative‐sign problems, drives phase transitions into VBS states with broken Z4 symmetry. It has recently been argued that continuous quantum phase transitions of this nature represent a new class of deconfined quantum‐critical points [Senthil et al., Science 303, 1490 (2004)], which are not captured within the standard Ginzburg‐Landau framework of phase transitions. Here we discuss a QMC study aimed at accurately characterizing the transition in the XY model. We find some evidence that the transition is actually weakly first‐order, but other scenarios, such as a continuous transition violating hyperscaling, also cannot be completely ruled out. For the Heisenberg model with four‐spin interactions we have confirmed that a VBS state exists. Preliminary finite‐size scaling results show consistency with a continuous transition into the Néel state, with dynamic exponent z = 1. This model is thus a candidate for deconfined quantum criticality.
We report large-scale quantum Monte Carlo calculations at the T=0 antiferromagnetic to valence-bond-solid (VBS) transition of a two-dimensional S=1/2 XY model with four-spin interactions. Finite-size scaling suggests a discontinuous spin stiffness, but a continuous VBS order-parameter. We propose that this is a continuous VBS transition without critical spin fluctuations. We also argue that the system is close to a point, in an extended parameter space, where both the magnetic and VBS fluctuations are critical--possibly a deconfined quantum-critical point.
Using ground-state projector quantum Monte Carlo simulations in the valence-bond basis, it is demonstrated that nonfrustrating four-spin interactions can destroy the Néel order of the two-dimensional S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet and drive it into a valence-bond solid (VBS) phase. Results for spin and dimer correlations are consistent with a single continuous transition, and all data exhibit finite-size scaling with a single set of exponents, z=1, nu=0.78+/-0.03, and eta=0.26+/-0.03. The unusually large eta and an emergent U(1) symmetry, detected using VBS order parameter histograms, provide strong evidence for a deconfined quantum critical point.
Using a loop‐cluster algorithm we investigate the spin 12 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice with exchange coupling J and a four‐spin interaction of strength Q. We confirm the existence of a phase transition separating antiferromagnetism at J/Q>Jc/Q from a valence bond solid (VBS) state at J/Q<Jc/Q. Although our Monte Carlo data are consistent with those of previous studies, we do not confirm the existence of a deconfined quantum critical point. Instead, using a flowgram method on lattices as large as 802, we find evidence for a weak first order phase transition. We also present a detailed study of the antiferromagnetic phase. For J/Q>Jc/Q the staggered magnetization, the spin stiffness, and the spinwave velocity of the antiferromagnet are determined by fitting Monte Carlo data to analytic results from the systematic low‐energy effective field theory for magnons. Finally, we also investigate the physics of the VBS state at J/Q<Jc/Q, and we show that long but finite antiferromagnetic correlations are still present.
Using a loop–cluster algorithm we investigate the spin- Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice with exchange coupling J and an additional four-spin interaction of strength Q . We confirm the existence of a phase transition separating antiferromagnetism at J / Q > J c / Q from a valence bond solid (VBS) state at J / Q < J c / Q . Although our Monte Carlo data are consistent with those of previous studies, we do not confirm the existence of a deconfined quantum critical point. Instead, using a flowgram method on lattices as large as 80 2 , we find evidence for a weak first-order phase transition. We also present a detailed study of the antiferromagnetic phase. For J / Q > J c / Q the staggered magnetization, the spin stiffness and the spinwave velocity of the antiferromagnet are determined by fitting Monte Carlo data to analytic results from the systematic low-energy effective field theory for magnons. Finally, we also investigate the physics of the VBS state at J / Q < J c / Q and we show that long but finite antiferromagnetic correlations are still present.
We study the N\'eel to fourfold columnar valence bond solid (cVBS) quantum phase transition in a sign-free S=1S=1S=1 square-lattice model. This is the same kind of transition that for S=1/2S=1/2S=1/2 has been argued to realize the prototypical deconfined critical point. Extensive numerical simulations of the square-lattice S=1/2S=1/2S=1/2 N\'eel-VBS transition have found consistency with the deconfined critical point scenario with no direct evidence for first-order behavior. In contrast to the S=1/2S=1/2S=1/2 case, in our quantum Monte Carlo simulations for the S=1S=1S=1 model, we present unambiguous evidence for a direct conventional first-order quantum phase transition. Classic signs of a first-order transition demonstrating coexistence including double-peaked histograms and switching behavior are observed. The sharp contrast from the S=1/2S=1/2S=1/2 case is remarkable; we hypothesize that this is a striking demonstration of the role of the size of the quantum spin in the phase diagram of two-dimensional lattice models.
We introduce a quantum spin-1/2 model with many-body correlated Heisenberg-type interactions on the two-dimensional square lattice, designed so that the system can host a fourfold degenerate plaquette valencebond solid (PVBS) ground state that spontaneously breaks Z 4 symmetry.The system is sign-problem free and amenable to large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations, thus allowing us to carry out a detailed study of the quantum phase transition between the standard Néel antiferromagnetic (AFM) and PVBS states.We find a first-order transition, in contrast to previously studied continuous transitions from the AFM phase into a columnar valence-bond solid (CVBS) phase.The theory of deconfined quantum criticality predicts generic continuous AFM-CVBS and AFM-PVBS transitions, and, in one version of the theory, the two critical order parameters transform under SO(5) symmetry.Emergent SO(5) symmetry has indeed been observed in studies of the AFM-CVBS transition, and here we show that the first-order AFM-PVBS transition also exhibits SO(5) symmetry at the transition point.Such unexpected symmetry of the coexistence state, which implies a lack of energy barriers between the coexisting phases, has recently been observed at other first-order transitions, but the case presented here is the first example with SO(5) symmetry.The extended symmetry may indicate that the transition is connected to a deconfined critical point.We also discuss the first-order transition in the context of a recent proposal of spinons with fracton properties in the PVBS state, concluding that the fracton scenario is unlikely.Furthermore, we discover a novel type of eightfold degenerate VBS phase, arising when the PVBS state breaks a remaining Z 2 symmetry.This second phase transition, which is continuous, implies that the PVBS phase can be regarded as an intermediate "vestigial" phase, a concept recently introduced to describe multistage phase transitions involving a continuous symmetry.Here we construct a six-dimensional order parameter and also introduce a general graph-theoretic approach to describe the two-stage discrete symmetry breaking.We discuss different ways of breaking the symmetries in one or two stages at zero and finite temperatures.In the latter case, we observe fluctuation-induced first-order transitions, which are hallmarks of vestigial phase transitions.We also mention possible connections of the AFM-PVBS transition to the SO(5) theory of high-T c superconductivity.