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

Finite-size effects in field theory. Scaling behaviour

Jean Zinn‐Justin

Published Apr 15, 2021• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract A number of numerical calculations, like Monte Carlo or transfer matrix calculations, are performed with systems in which the size in several or all dimensions is finite. To extrapolate the results to the infinite system, it is thus necessary to understand how the infinite size limit is reached. In particular in a system in which the forces are short range, no phase transition can occur in a finite volume, or in a geometry in which the size is infinite only in one dimension. This indicates that the infinite-size extrapolation is somewhat non-trivial. In this chapter, the problem is analysed in the case of second-order phase transitions, in the framework of the N-vector model. The existence of a finite-size scaling is established, extending renormalization group (RG) arguments to this new situation. Then, finite volume geometry and cylindrical geometry, in which the size is finite in all dimensions except one, are distinguished. It is explained how to adapt the methods used in the case of infinite systems to calculate the new universal quantities appearing in finite-size effects, for example, in d = 4−ϵ or d = 2+ϵ dimensions. Special properties of the commonly used periodic boundary conditions are emphasized.

DOI
10.1093/oso/9780198834625.003.0032

Related papers

Field theory in a finite geometry: Finite size scaling

Jean Zinn‐Justin

Abstract Computer simulations of critical statistical systems or quantum field theory models are performed with systems where sizes are finite. In transfer matrix calculations, all sizes but one are also finite. In systems where the correlation length is large, it is thus important to understand how the infinite size limit is reached. This problem is investigated in Chapter 19. RG equations allow proving the properties of universality and of finite size scaling. When the correlation length is larger than the linear system size, a phenomenon of dimensional reduction is observed. With periodic boundary conditions, fields have a zero mode. A local expansion generates an effective field theory for the zero mode.

•Jun 19, 2019•0 citations

Finite-size scaling at infinite-order phase transitions

Rick Keesman, Jules Lamers, R. A. Duine +1 more

Abstract For systems with infinite-order phase transitions, in which an order parameter smoothly becomes nonzero, a new observable for finite-size scaling analysis is suggested. By construction this new observable has the favourable property of diverging at the critical point. Focussing on the example of the F -model we compare the analysis of this observable with that of another observable, which is also derived from the order parameter but does not diverge, as well as that of the associated susceptibility. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the finite-size scaling analysis of such systems. In particular we show that one may reach incorrect conclusions from large-system size extrapolations of observables that are not known to diverge at the critical point. Our work suggests that one should base finite-size scaling analyses for infinite-order phase transitions only on observables that are guaranteed to diverge.

arXiv:1605.08876•Journal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment•Sep 1, 2016•4 citations

Finite-size scaling at infinite-order phase transitions

Rick Keesman, Jules Lamers, R. A. Duine +1 more

For systems with infinite-order phase transitions, in which an order parameter smoothly becomes nonzero, a new observable for finite-size scaling analysis is suggested. By construction this new observable has the favourable property of diverging at the critical point. Focussing on the example of the F-model we compare the analysis of this observable with that of another observable, which is also derived from the order parameter but does not diverge, as well as that of the associated susceptibility. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the finite-size scaling analysis of such systems. In particular we show that one may reach incorrect conclusions from large-system size extrapolations of observables that are not known to diverge at the critical point. Our work suggests that one should base finite-size scaling analyses for infinite-order phase transitions only on observables that are guaranteed to diverge.

•Jan 1, 2016•3 citations

Finite element methods for finite size scaling

Winton Moy

The study of phase transitions and critical phenomena is an area of great interest in science. Liquid to gas, ferromagnetic to paramagnetic, fluid to superfluid, insulator to conductor are a few examples of physical systems exhibiting phase transition and critical phenomena. Classical phase transitions have thermal fluctuations as the main driving force for the transition. In statistical mechanics phase transitions are associated with singularities in the free energy. These singularites only occur in the thermodynamic limit where the volume (V) and particles (N) go to infinity with the density held constant (N/V). By examining the partition function for a finite system, the function is a sum of a set number of terms. The partition function then would be analytical. It is only when an infinite number of terms are added is there a singularity in the partition function. The subject of Finite Size Scaling theory is the relation of the phenomena in a finite systems to the true phase transition of an infinite system. Finite Size Scaling theory provides a numerical method to obtain accurate results for infinite systems simply by studying corresponding small systems. The focus of this thesis is on transitions of a different nature. Quantum phase transitions (transitions that occur at absolute zero) have Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle as the driving force for the transition. In quantum mechanics, the finite size problem occurs when looking at the critical behaviour of the Hamiltonian as a function of a set of parameters. The interest is where the bound states energies become non-analytical. The size of the system is related to the number of elements in a complete basis set used to expand the exact wave function. In this thesis we present the use of the Finite Element Method (a numerical technique commonly used in engineering problems to solve partial differential equations or integral equations). Previous finite size scaling studies in quantum mechanics employed a basis set expansion of the wave function and the problem is solved variationally. Slater type basis sets were used for this purpose. In the effort to apply finite size scaling calculations for larger systems Gaussian type functions were employed however the a larger number of Gaussian functions are needed to obtain accurate results. The use of standard electronic structure packages was also explored, however, the lack of consistently increasing size for basis sets limits the application for finite size scaling purposes. We first apply the finite element element method (FEM) to solve for the short range Yukawa potential and obtained the critical parameters for the model potential. We develop the framework necessary to use FEM for finite size scaling. As mentioned before the 'size' of the system is the number of basis functions needed in the expansion of the wave function. However, using FEM the size of the system is the number of elements used. We then studied the Hulthen potential in comparison to the basis set results and also compare the results to the analytical solutions for the both methods. Finally we explore the use of FEM in combination with Hartree-Fock theory to solve 2 to 4 electron systems. The use of Hartree-Fock theory allows for the implementation of finite size scaling to larger systems. We used the FEM Hartree-Fock to calculate for the critical parameters of 2 to 4 electron systems. Although the results are not exact (as to be expected due to the use of Hartree-Fock theory) we get an estimate to the critical points of these systems. FEM can be combined with other electronic structure theories, which would allow for the study of larger systems exhibiting critical phenomena.

•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations

Phase Transitions and Renormalization Group

Jean Zinn‐Justin

This book provides an elementary introduction to the notions of continuum limit and universality in statistical systems with a large number of degrees of freedom. The existence of a continuum limit requires the appearance of correlations at large distance, a situation that is encountered in second order phase transitions, near the critical temperature. In this context, the book emphasizes the role of gaussian distributions and their relations with the mean field approximation and Landau′s theory of critical phenomena. The book shows that quasi-gaussian or mean-field approximations cannot describe correctly phase transitions in three space dimensions. The book assigns this difficulty to the coupling of very different physical length scales, even though the systems we will consider have only local, that is, short range, interactions. To analyze the unusual situation, a new concept is required: the renormalization group, whose fixed points allow understanding the universality of physical properties at large distance, beyond mean-field theory. In the continuum limit, critical phenomena can be described by quantum field theories. In this framework, the renormalization group is directly related to the renormalization process; that is, the necessity to cancel the infinities that arise in straightforward formulations of the theory. The book discusses the renormalization group in the context of various relevant field theories. This leads to proofs of universality and to efficient tools for calculating universal quantities in a perturbative framework. Finally, the book constructs a general functional renormalization group, which can be used when perturbative methods are inadequate.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Jul 5, 2007•208 citations

CRITICAL BEHAVIOR OF SYSTEMS WITH LONG-RANGE INTERACTION IN RESTRICTED GEOMETRY

Hassan Chamati, N. S. Tonchev

The present review is devoted to the problems of finite-size scaling due to the presence of long-range interaction decaying at large distance as 1/rd+σ, σ>0. The attention is focused mainly on the renormalization group results in the framework of [Formula: see text]-theory for systems with fully finite (block) geometry under periodic boundary conditions. Some bulk critical properties and Monte Carlo results are also reviewed. The role of the cut-off effects as well as their relation with those originating from the long-range interaction is additionally discussed. Special attention is paid to the description of an adequate mathematical technique that allows for the treatment of the long-range and short-range interactions equally. The review concludes with a short discussion of some open problems.

arXiv:cond-mat/0303030•Modern Physics Letters B•Oct 10, 2003•12 citations
Abstract A number of numerical calculations, like Monte Carlo or transfer matrix calculations, are performed with systems in which the size in several or all dimensions is finite. To extrapolate the results to the infinite system, it is thus necessary to understand how the infinite size limit is reached. In particular in a system in which the forces are short range, no phase transition can occur in a finite volume, or in a geometry in which the size is infinite only in one dimension. This indicates that the infinite-size extrapolation is somewhat non-trivial. In this chapter, the problem is analysed in the case of second-order phase transitions, in the framework of the N-vector model. The existence of a finite-size scaling is established, extending renormalization group (RG) arguments to this new situation. Then, finite volume geometry and cylindrical geometry, in which the size is finite in all dimensions except one, are distinguished. It is explained how to adapt the methods used in the case of infinite systems to calculate the new universal quantities appearing in finite-size effects, for example, in d = 4−ϵ or d = 2+ϵ dimensions. Special properties of the commonly used periodic boundary conditions are emphasized.
Abstract Computer simulations of critical statistical systems or quantum field theory models are performed with systems where sizes are finite. In transfer matrix calculations, all sizes but one are also finite. In systems where the correlation length is large, it is thus important to understand how the infinite size limit is reached. This problem is investigated in Chapter 19. RG equations allow proving the properties of universality and of finite size scaling. When the correlation length is larger than the linear system size, a phenomenon of dimensional reduction is observed. With periodic boundary conditions, fields have a zero mode. A local expansion generates an effective field theory for the zero mode.
Abstract For systems with infinite-order phase transitions, in which an order parameter smoothly becomes nonzero, a new observable for finite-size scaling analysis is suggested. By construction this new observable has the favourable property of diverging at the critical point. Focussing on the example of the F -model we compare the analysis of this observable with that of another observable, which is also derived from the order parameter but does not diverge, as well as that of the associated susceptibility. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the finite-size scaling analysis of such systems. In particular we show that one may reach incorrect conclusions from large-system size extrapolations of observables that are not known to diverge at the critical point. Our work suggests that one should base finite-size scaling analyses for infinite-order phase transitions only on observables that are guaranteed to diverge.
For systems with infinite-order phase transitions, in which an order parameter smoothly becomes nonzero, a new observable for finite-size scaling analysis is suggested. By construction this new observable has the favourable property of diverging at the critical point. Focussing on the example of the F-model we compare the analysis of this observable with that of another observable, which is also derived from the order parameter but does not diverge, as well as that of the associated susceptibility. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the finite-size scaling analysis of such systems. In particular we show that one may reach incorrect conclusions from large-system size extrapolations of observables that are not known to diverge at the critical point. Our work suggests that one should base finite-size scaling analyses for infinite-order phase transitions only on observables that are guaranteed to diverge.
The study of phase transitions and critical phenomena is an area of great interest in science. Liquid to gas, ferromagnetic to paramagnetic, fluid to superfluid, insulator to conductor are a few examples of physical systems exhibiting phase transition and critical phenomena. Classical phase transitions have thermal fluctuations as the main driving force for the transition. In statistical mechanics phase transitions are associated with singularities in the free energy. These singularites only occur in the thermodynamic limit where the volume (V) and particles (N) go to infinity with the density held constant (N/V). By examining the partition function for a finite system, the function is a sum of a set number of terms. The partition function then would be analytical. It is only when an infinite number of terms are added is there a singularity in the partition function. The subject of Finite Size Scaling theory is the relation of the phenomena in a finite systems to the true phase transition of an infinite system. Finite Size Scaling theory provides a numerical method to obtain accurate results for infinite systems simply by studying corresponding small systems. The focus of this thesis is on transitions of a different nature. Quantum phase transitions (transitions that occur at absolute zero) have Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle as the driving force for the transition. In quantum mechanics, the finite size problem occurs when looking at the critical behaviour of the Hamiltonian as a function of a set of parameters. The interest is where the bound states energies become non-analytical. The size of the system is related to the number of elements in a complete basis set used to expand the exact wave function. In this thesis we present the use of the Finite Element Method (a numerical technique commonly used in engineering problems to solve partial differential equations or integral equations). Previous finite size scaling studies in quantum mechanics employed a basis set expansion of the wave function and the problem is solved variationally. Slater type basis sets were used for this purpose. In the effort to apply finite size scaling calculations for larger systems Gaussian type functions were employed however the a larger number of Gaussian functions are needed to obtain accurate results. The use of standard electronic structure packages was also explored, however, the lack of consistently increasing size for basis sets limits the application for finite size scaling purposes. We first apply the finite element element method (FEM) to solve for the short range Yukawa potential and obtained the critical parameters for the model potential. We develop the framework necessary to use FEM for finite size scaling. As mentioned before the 'size' of the system is the number of basis functions needed in the expansion of the wave function. However, using FEM the size of the system is the number of elements used. We then studied the Hulthen potential in comparison to the basis set results and also compare the results to the analytical solutions for the both methods. Finally we explore the use of FEM in combination with Hartree-Fock theory to solve 2 to 4 electron systems. The use of Hartree-Fock theory allows for the implementation of finite size scaling to larger systems. We used the FEM Hartree-Fock to calculate for the critical parameters of 2 to 4 electron systems. Although the results are not exact (as to be expected due to the use of Hartree-Fock theory) we get an estimate to the critical points of these systems. FEM can be combined with other electronic structure theories, which would allow for the study of larger systems exhibiting critical phenomena.
This book provides an elementary introduction to the notions of continuum limit and universality in statistical systems with a large number of degrees of freedom. The existence of a continuum limit requires the appearance of correlations at large distance, a situation that is encountered in second order phase transitions, near the critical temperature. In this context, the book emphasizes the role of gaussian distributions and their relations with the mean field approximation and Landau′s theory of critical phenomena. The book shows that quasi-gaussian or mean-field approximations cannot describe correctly phase transitions in three space dimensions. The book assigns this difficulty to the coupling of very different physical length scales, even though the systems we will consider have only local, that is, short range, interactions. To analyze the unusual situation, a new concept is required: the renormalization group, whose fixed points allow understanding the universality of physical properties at large distance, beyond mean-field theory. In the continuum limit, critical phenomena can be described by quantum field theories. In this framework, the renormalization group is directly related to the renormalization process; that is, the necessity to cancel the infinities that arise in straightforward formulations of the theory. The book discusses the renormalization group in the context of various relevant field theories. This leads to proofs of universality and to efficient tools for calculating universal quantities in a perturbative framework. Finally, the book constructs a general functional renormalization group, which can be used when perturbative methods are inadequate.
The present review is devoted to the problems of finite-size scaling due to the presence of long-range interaction decaying at large distance as 1/rd+σ, σ>0. The attention is focused mainly on the renormalization group results in the framework of [Formula: see text]-theory for systems with fully finite (block) geometry under periodic boundary conditions. Some bulk critical properties and Monte Carlo results are also reviewed. The role of the cut-off effects as well as their relation with those originating from the long-range interaction is additionally discussed. Special attention is paid to the description of an adequate mathematical technique that allows for the treatment of the long-range and short-range interactions equally. The review concludes with a short discussion of some open problems.