Z4 transitions in quantum loop models on a zig-zag ladder

Journal Article (2024)
Author(s)

Bowy M. La Rivière (TU Delft - Applied Sciences, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Natalia Chepiga (TU Delft - Applied Sciences, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Research Group
QN/Chepiga Lab
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.21468/SciPostPhys.17.5.144 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
QN/Chepiga Lab
Issue number
5
Volume number
17
Article number
144
Downloads counter
148
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Abstract

We study the nature of quantum phase transitions out of Z4 ordered phases in quantum loop models on a zig-zag ladder. We report very rich critical behavior that includes a pair of Ising transitions, a multi-critical Ashkin-Teller point and a remarkably extended interval of a chiral transition. Although plaquette states turn out to be essential to realize chiral transitions, we demonstrate that critical regimes can be manipulated by deforming the model as to increase the presence of leg-dimerized states. This can be done to the point where the chiral transition turns into first order, we argue that this is associated with the emergence of a critical end point.