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

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General

Renormalisation group analysis of the phase transition in the 2D Coulomb gas, Sine-Gordon theory and XY-model

D J Amit, Yadin Y. Goldschmidt, S Grinstein

Published Feb 1, 1980• 377 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A systematic renormalisation group technique for studying the 2D sine-Gordon theory (Coulomb gas, XY model) near its phase transition is presented. The new results are (a) higher order terms in the flow equations beyond those of Kosterlitz (1974) give rise to a new universal quantity; (b) this in turn gives the universal form as well as the relative coefficient of the next-to-leading term in the correlation function of the XY model; (c) the free energy (1PI vacuum sum) is calculated after the singularity at beta 2 =4 pi is treated; (d) vortices with multiple charges are shown to be irrelevant; (e) symmetry breaking fields are analysed systematically. The main ideas that the sine-Gordon theory can be defined as a double expansion in alpha (fugacity) and delta = beta 2 /8 pi -1 (distance from the critical temperature at alpha =0). Wave-function and coupling constant ( alpha ) renormalisations are necessary and sufficient, around beta 2 =8 pi where cos phi acquires dimension 2, for functions with elementary SG fields. This gives rise to renormalisation of beta . The renormalisability is proved to the order calculated in the context of the SG theory, and in general, by using the equivalence to the Thirring-Schwinger model. The renormalised beta 2 plays a role analogous to the dimension in a phi 4 theory-8 pi being the critical dimension. beta 2 >8 pi gives an infrared asymptotically free theory which leads to the well-known fixed line. The infrared properties are understood by analogy with the non-linear sigma model.

DOI
10.1088/0305-4470/13/2/024

Related papers

Perturbative vs. Non-Perturbative Study of the Sine-Gordon Model

S Hariharakrishnan

Functional Renormalization Group (FRG) flow equations of Sine-Gordon model in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions are obtained by using power law regulator in additive and multiplicative approaches in the leading order and next to leading order in the Taylor expansion of the Fourier amplitude with LPA′ and single Fourier mode approximations. The 2-dimensional FRG flow equations are compared to the Perturbative Renormalization Group (PRG) flow equations of Daniel J Amit, Yadin Y Goldschmidt, and S Grinstein. Renormalisation group analysis of the phase transition in the 2d coulomb gas, sine-gordon theory and xy-model. Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General, 13(2):585, 1980., where a universal behaviour is claimed. This thesis explored whether FRG also reproduces this universal behaviour and it is concluded that no such universal behaviour exists in the FRG framework.

•May 5, 2022•0 citations

Sine-Gordon/Coulomb Gas Soliton Correlation Functions and an Exact Evaluation of the Kosterlitz-Thouless Critical Exponent

Leonardo Mondaini, Eduardo C. Marino

We present an exact derivation for the asymptotic large distance behavior of the spin two-point correlation function in the XY-model. This allows for the exact obtainment of the critical exponent η = 1/4 at the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition that occurs in this model and in the 2D neutral Coulomb gas and which has been previously obtained by scaling arguments. In order to do that, we use the language of sine-Gordon theory to obtain a Coulomb Gas description of the XY-model spin correlation function, which becomes identified with the soliton correlator of that theory. Using a representation in terms of bipolar coordinates we obtain an exact expression for the asymptotic large distance behavior of the relevant correlator at β 2 = 8π, which corresponds to the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. The result is obtained by approaching this point from the plasma (high-temperature) phase of the gas. The vortex correlator of the XY-model is also obtained using the same procedure. KEY WORDS: soliton correlation functions, sine-Gordon theory, XY-model, 2D Coulomb gas, Kosterlitz-Thouless transition

•Jan 1, 2004•7 citations

Phase Transition in 2-D Sine-Gordon System

T. Ohta

The renormalization group equations for the sine-Gordon system with a short wave-length cutoff in two dimensions are derived by means of a momentum-shell recursion method. In a special limit they agree with the Kosterlitz renormalization group equations which describe the critical properties of the phase transitions of the two-dimensional (2-D) neutral Coulomb gas with single charges ±1 and of the 2-D isotropic X-Y model in the absence of an external field. The results, therefore, give rise to a possibility that certain classes of phase transitions in low dimensions can be described in a unified way with the sine-Gordon Hamiltonian.

Progress of Theoretical Physics•Oct 1, 1978•38 citations

Renormalization of the Periodic Scalar Field Theory by Polchinski's Renormalization Group Method

I. Nándori, Kornél Sailer, Ulrich D. Jentschura +1 more

The renormalization group (RG) flow for the two-dimensional sine-Gordon model is determined by means of Polchinski's RG equation at next-to-leading order in the derivative expansion. In this work we have two different goals, (i) to consider the renormalization scheme-dependence of Polchinski's method by matching Polchinski's equation with the Wegner-Houghton equation and with the real space RG equations for the two-dimensional dilute Coulomb-gas, (ii) to go beyond the local potential approximation in the gradient expansion in order to clarify the supposed role of the field-dependent wave-function renormalization. The well-known Coleman fixed point of the sine-Gordon model is recovered after linearization, whereas the flow exhibits strong dependence on the choice of the renormalization scheme when non-linear terms are kept. The RG flow is compared to those obtained in the Wegner-Houghton approach and in the dilute gas approximation for the two-dimensional Coulomb-gas.

•Jan 1, 2002•20 citations

Critical properties of the quantum sine-Gordon equation

Guang-Ming Zhang, Hong Chen, Xiang Xia Wu

We have developed a quantum-mechanical approach to study the critical properties of the quantum sine-Gordon equation describing a massless scalar field in 1+1 space-time dimensions with interaction density proportional to cos(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\varphi}). The main feature of the present theory is to find an appropriate starting point for perturbation expansion, which can directly treat the infrared divergences encountered in the conventional perturbation theory. Exact critical conditions for the phase transition of the model are derived; and the quantum sine-Gordon Hamiltonian is found to correspond exactly to a free-field model. Near the critical regime, a gap will open near zero momentum in the excitation spectrum, and the corresponding ground-state wave function is a pairing quasiparticle state, analogous to the BCS superconducting state. It is proved that this ground state will possess quasi-long-range and quasi-off-diagonal long-range correlations. Comparisons with the Kosterlitz-Thouless classical theory of the two-dimensional Coulomb gas are also made.

Physical review. B, Condensed matter•Jun 1, 1991•15 citations

Duality, Gauge Symmetries, Renormalization Groups and the BKT Transition

Jorge V. José

In this chapter, I will briefly review, from my own perspective, the situation within theoretical physics at the beginning of the 1970s, and the advances that played an important role in providing a solid theoretical and experimental foundation for the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless theory (BKT). Over this period, it became clear that the Abelian gauge symmetry of the 2D-XY model had to be preserved to get the right phase structure of the model. In previous analyses, this symmetry was broken when using low order calculational approximations. Duality transformations at that time for two-dimensional models with compact gauge symmetries were introduced by José, Kadanoff, Nelson and Kirkpatrick (JKKN). Their goal was to analyze the phase structure and excitations of XY and related models, including symmetry breaking fields which are experimentally important. In a separate context, Migdal had earlier developed an approximate Renormalization Group (RG) algorithm to implement Wilson’s RG for lattice gauge theories. Although Migdal’s RG approach, later extended by Kadanoff, did not produce a true phase transition for the XY model, it almost did asymptotically in terms of a non-perturbative expansion in the coupling constant with an essential singularity. Using these advances, including work done on instantons (vortices), JKKN analyzed the behavior of the spin–spin correlation functions of the 2D XY-model in terms of an expansion in temperature and vortex-pair fugacity. Their analysis led to a perturbative derivation of RG equations for the XY model which are the same as those first derived by Kosterlitz for the two-dimensional Coulomb gas. JKKN’s results gave a theoretical formulation foundation and justification for BKT’s sound physical assumptions and for the validity of their calculational approximations that were, in principle, strictly valid only at very low temperatures, away from the critical [Formula: see text] temperature. The theoretical predictions were soon tested successfully against experimental results on superfluid helium films. The success of the BKT theory also gave one of the first quantitative proofs of the validity of the RG theory.

International Journal of Modern Physics B•Jan 20, 2017•4 citations
A systematic renormalisation group technique for studying the 2D sine-Gordon theory (Coulomb gas, XY model) near its phase transition is presented. The new results are (a) higher order terms in the flow equations beyond those of Kosterlitz (1974) give rise to a new universal quantity; (b) this in turn gives the universal form as well as the relative coefficient of the next-to-leading term in the correlation function of the XY model; (c) the free energy (1PI vacuum sum) is calculated after the singularity at beta 2 =4 pi is treated; (d) vortices with multiple charges are shown to be irrelevant; (e) symmetry breaking fields are analysed systematically. The main ideas that the sine-Gordon theory can be defined as a double expansion in alpha (fugacity) and delta = beta 2 /8 pi -1 (distance from the critical temperature at alpha =0). Wave-function and coupling constant ( alpha ) renormalisations are necessary and sufficient, around beta 2 =8 pi where cos phi acquires dimension 2, for functions with elementary SG fields. This gives rise to renormalisation of beta . The renormalisability is proved to the order calculated in the context of the SG theory, and in general, by using the equivalence to the Thirring-Schwinger model. The renormalised beta 2 plays a role analogous to the dimension in a phi 4 theory-8 pi being the critical dimension. beta 2 >8 pi gives an infrared asymptotically free theory which leads to the well-known fixed line. The infrared properties are understood by analogy with the non-linear sigma model.
Functional Renormalization Group (FRG) flow equations of Sine-Gordon model in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions are obtained by using power law regulator in additive and multiplicative approaches in the leading order and next to leading order in the Taylor expansion of the Fourier amplitude with LPA′ and single Fourier mode approximations. The 2-dimensional FRG flow equations are compared to the Perturbative Renormalization Group (PRG) flow equations of Daniel J Amit, Yadin Y Goldschmidt, and S Grinstein. Renormalisation group analysis of the phase transition in the 2d coulomb gas, sine-gordon theory and xy-model. Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General, 13(2):585, 1980., where a universal behaviour is claimed. This thesis explored whether FRG also reproduces this universal behaviour and it is concluded that no such universal behaviour exists in the FRG framework.
We present an exact derivation for the asymptotic large distance behavior of the spin two-point correlation function in the XY-model. This allows for the exact obtainment of the critical exponent η = 1/4 at the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition that occurs in this model and in the 2D neutral Coulomb gas and which has been previously obtained by scaling arguments. In order to do that, we use the language of sine-Gordon theory to obtain a Coulomb Gas description of the XY-model spin correlation function, which becomes identified with the soliton correlator of that theory. Using a representation in terms of bipolar coordinates we obtain an exact expression for the asymptotic large distance behavior of the relevant correlator at β 2 = 8π, which corresponds to the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. The result is obtained by approaching this point from the plasma (high-temperature) phase of the gas. The vortex correlator of the XY-model is also obtained using the same procedure. KEY WORDS: soliton correlation functions, sine-Gordon theory, XY-model, 2D Coulomb gas, Kosterlitz-Thouless transition
The renormalization group equations for the sine-Gordon system with a short wave-length cutoff in two dimensions are derived by means of a momentum-shell recursion method. In a special limit they agree with the Kosterlitz renormalization group equations which describe the critical properties of the phase transitions of the two-dimensional (2-D) neutral Coulomb gas with single charges ±1 and of the 2-D isotropic X-Y model in the absence of an external field. The results, therefore, give rise to a possibility that certain classes of phase transitions in low dimensions can be described in a unified way with the sine-Gordon Hamiltonian.
The renormalization group (RG) flow for the two-dimensional sine-Gordon model is determined by means of Polchinski's RG equation at next-to-leading order in the derivative expansion. In this work we have two different goals, (i) to consider the renormalization scheme-dependence of Polchinski's method by matching Polchinski's equation with the Wegner-Houghton equation and with the real space RG equations for the two-dimensional dilute Coulomb-gas, (ii) to go beyond the local potential approximation in the gradient expansion in order to clarify the supposed role of the field-dependent wave-function renormalization. The well-known Coleman fixed point of the sine-Gordon model is recovered after linearization, whereas the flow exhibits strong dependence on the choice of the renormalization scheme when non-linear terms are kept. The RG flow is compared to those obtained in the Wegner-Houghton approach and in the dilute gas approximation for the two-dimensional Coulomb-gas.
We have developed a quantum-mechanical approach to study the critical properties of the quantum sine-Gordon equation describing a massless scalar field in 1+1 space-time dimensions with interaction density proportional to cos(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\varphi}). The main feature of the present theory is to find an appropriate starting point for perturbation expansion, which can directly treat the infrared divergences encountered in the conventional perturbation theory. Exact critical conditions for the phase transition of the model are derived; and the quantum sine-Gordon Hamiltonian is found to correspond exactly to a free-field model. Near the critical regime, a gap will open near zero momentum in the excitation spectrum, and the corresponding ground-state wave function is a pairing quasiparticle state, analogous to the BCS superconducting state. It is proved that this ground state will possess quasi-long-range and quasi-off-diagonal long-range correlations. Comparisons with the Kosterlitz-Thouless classical theory of the two-dimensional Coulomb gas are also made.
In this chapter, I will briefly review, from my own perspective, the situation within theoretical physics at the beginning of the 1970s, and the advances that played an important role in providing a solid theoretical and experimental foundation for the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless theory (BKT). Over this period, it became clear that the Abelian gauge symmetry of the 2D-XY model had to be preserved to get the right phase structure of the model. In previous analyses, this symmetry was broken when using low order calculational approximations. Duality transformations at that time for two-dimensional models with compact gauge symmetries were introduced by José, Kadanoff, Nelson and Kirkpatrick (JKKN). Their goal was to analyze the phase structure and excitations of XY and related models, including symmetry breaking fields which are experimentally important. In a separate context, Migdal had earlier developed an approximate Renormalization Group (RG) algorithm to implement Wilson’s RG for lattice gauge theories. Although Migdal’s RG approach, later extended by Kadanoff, did not produce a true phase transition for the XY model, it almost did asymptotically in terms of a non-perturbative expansion in the coupling constant with an essential singularity. Using these advances, including work done on instantons (vortices), JKKN analyzed the behavior of the spin–spin correlation functions of the 2D XY-model in terms of an expansion in temperature and vortex-pair fugacity. Their analysis led to a perturbative derivation of RG equations for the XY model which are the same as those first derived by Kosterlitz for the two-dimensional Coulomb gas. JKKN’s results gave a theoretical formulation foundation and justification for BKT’s sound physical assumptions and for the validity of their calculational approximations that were, in principle, strictly valid only at very low temperatures, away from the critical [Formula: see text] temperature. The theoretical predictions were soon tested successfully against experimental results on superfluid helium films. The success of the BKT theory also gave one of the first quantitative proofs of the validity of the RG theory.