We present study on a multi-state vertex model solved by Sogo et al. at one of first order phase transition points. The origin of the level crossings is analyzed in terms of vertex weights and the Bethe ansatz equation. Singularity at this point is discussed in terms of quantum enveloping algebra.
In this paper, we review a few known facts on the coordinate Bethe ansatz. We present a detailed construction of the Bethe ansatz vector $\psi $ and energy $\Lambda $, which satisfy $V\psi =\Lambda \psi $, where V is the transfer matrix of the six-vertex model on a finite square lattice with periodic boundary conditions for weights a=b=1 and c>0. We also show that the same vector $\psi $ satisfies $H\psi =E\psi $, where H is the Hamiltonian of the XXZ model (which is the model for which the Bethe ansatz was first developed), with a value E computed explicitly. Variants of this approach have become central techniques for the study of exactly solvable statistical mechanics models in both the physics and mathematics communities. Our aim in this paper is to provide a pedagogically-minded exposition of this construction, aimed at a mathematical audience. It also provides the opportunity to introduce the notation and framework which will be used in a subsequent paper by the authors [5] that amounts to proving that the random-cluster model on Z2 with cluster weight q>4 exhibits a first-order phase transition.
This thesis deals with two two-dimensional lattice models in statistical mechanics. The first of these is the zero-field 20-vertex model on a triangular lattice. This model is the analogue to the ice-type, zero-field six-vertex model on a square lattice. We solve this problem exactly for a restricted set of vertex weights. The other model is the q-component Potts model on a square lattice. This model is equivalent to a staggered ice-type model on a square lattice. Using a variational method we estimate the critical exponent ß for several values of q. In part I we outline the fundamental statistical mechanical ideas needed, including the definition of the partition function and its relation to the thermodynamic quantities. Mention is also made of the existence and uniqueness of the thermodynamic limit for these models. The 20-vertex model is discussed in part II. The transfer matrix approach is adopted and a Bethe ansatz is used for the eigenvector. Unlike the square lattice ice-type model, the triangular lattice 20-vertex model is only soluble by this method for a restricted set of vertex weights. In particular, the ten parameters determining the vertex weights must be expressed in terms of four independent parameters. This results in only one type of non-trivial temperature independent solution. This solution exhibits critical behaviour similar to the square lattice KDP model. The general solution has three states: disordered, antiferroelectric and ferroelectric. Which state the model is in is determined by one of the above four parameters. The transition from the disordered to the antiferroelectric state is of infinite-order (i.e the free energy has an essential singularity), and from the disordered to the ferroelectric state is of finite-order. We also compare our results to the free-fermion solution of the same model and note where the two methods overlap. In part III the Potts model is considered. The model is defined and shown to be equivalent to a staggered ice-type model. A variational principle for the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix of the staggered ice model is determined. Using the zero-temperature solution as a ^uide a simple form for a sequence of approximations to the eigenvector, below T , is developed. By using the variational principle we arrive at a set of matrix equations determining the eigenvector at a given level of approximation. By noting some of the symmetries of the transfer matrix we are able to separate some of the dependences of the matrix elements and consequently simplify the original set of equations. We are also able to express the percolation probability ( the analogue of the spontaneous magnetization for general values of q ) of the Potts model as a simple function of these matrix elements. At each level of approximation there is a set of algebraic equations to solve. We have used an electronic computer to solve these equations for the first five levels of approximation, and for several values of q between zero and four. With our results we estimate the critical exponent 3 for the Potts model. These estimates agree reasonably well with previous work and indicate 3=0.145 ±.017 for q=l.