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A. Malakis

Publications and source records attributed to A. Malakis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Universality from disorder in the random-bond Blume-Capel model

Using high-precision Monte Carlo simulations and finite-size scaling we study the effect of quenched disorder in the exchange couplings on the Blume-Capel model on the square lattice. The first-order transition for large crystal-field coupling is softened to become continuous, with a divergent correlation length. An analysis of the scaling of the correlation length as well as the susceptibility and specific heat reveals that it belongs to the universality class of the Ising model with additional logarithmic corrections observed for the Ising model itself if coupled to weak disorder. While the leading scaling behavior in the disordered system is therefore identical between the second-order and first-order segments of the phase diagram of the pure model, the finite-size scaling in the ex-first-order regime is affected by strong transient effects with a crossover length scale $L^{\ast} \approx 32$ for the chosen parameters.

cond-mat.dis-nn

Scaling and universality in the phase diagram of the 2D Blume-Capel model

We review the pertinent features of the phase diagram of the zero-field Blume-Capel model, focusing on the aspects of transition order, finite-size scaling and universality. In particular, we employ a range of Monte Carlo simulation methods to study the 2D spin-1 Blume-Capel model on the square lattice to investigate the behavior in the vicinity of the first-order and second-order regimes of the ferromagnet-paramagnet phase boundary, respectively. To achieve high-precision results, we utilize a combination of (i) a parallel version of the multicanonical algorithm and (ii) a hybrid updating scheme combining Metropolis and generalized Wolff cluster moves. These techniques are combined to study for the first time the correlation length of the model, using its scaling in the regime of second-order transitions to illustrate universality through the observed identity of the limiting value of $ξ/L$ with the exactly known result for the Ising universality class.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Interfacial adsorption in Potts models on the square lattice

We study the effect of interfacial phenomena in two-dimensional perfect and random (or disordered) $q$-state Potts models with continuous phase transitions, using, mainly, Monte Carlo techniques. In particular, for the total interfacial adsorption, the critical behavior, including corrections to scaling, are analyzed. The role of randomness is scrutinized. Results are discussed applying scaling arguments and invoking findings for bulk critical properties. In all studied cases, i.e., $q = 3$, $4$, and $q = 8$, the spread of the interfacial adsorption profiles is observed to increase linearly with the lattice size at the bulk transition point.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Critical aspects of three-dimensional anisotropic spin-glass models

We study the $\pm J$ three-dimensional Ising model with a longitudinal anisotropic bond randomness on the simple cubic lattice. The random exchange interaction is applied only in the $z$ direction, whereas in the other two directions, $xy$ - planes, we consider ferromagnetic exchange. By implementing an effective parallel tempering scheme, we outline the phase diagram of the model and compare it to the corresponding isotropic one, as well as to a previously studied anisotropic (transverse) case. We present a detailed finite-size scaling analysis of the ferromagnetic - paramagnetic and spin glass - paramagnetic transition lines, and we also discuss the ferromagnetic - spin glass transition regime. We conclude that the present model shares the same universality classes with the isotropic model, but at the symmetric point has a considerably higher transition temperature from the spin-glass state to the paramagnetic phase. Our data for the ferromagnetic - spin glass transition line are supporting a forward behavior in contrast to the reentrant behavior of the isotropic model.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Critical Binder cumulant and universality: Fortuin-Kasteleyn clusters and order-parameter fluctuations

We investigate the dependence of the critical Binder cumulant of the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster on the boundary conditions and aspect ratio of the underlying square Ising lattices. By means of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm, we generate numerical data for large system sizes and we perform a detailed finite-size scaling analysis for several values of the aspect ratio $r$, for both periodic and free boundary conditions. We estimate the universal probability density functions of the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster and we compare it to those of the magnetization at criticality. It is shown that these probability density functions follow similar scaling laws, and it is found that the values of the critical Binder cumulant of the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster are upper bounds to the values of the respective order-parameter's cumulant, with a splitting behavior for large values of the aspect ratio. We also investigate the dependence of the amplitudes of the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster on the aspect ratio and boundary conditions. We find that the associated exponents, describing the aspect ratio dependencies, are different for the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster, but in each case are independent of boundary conditions.

cond-mat.stat-mech

A comparative study of selected parallel tempering methods

We review several parallel tempering schemes and examine their main ingredients for accuracy and efficiency. The present study covers two selection methods of temperatures and several choices for the exchange of replicas, including a recent novel all-pair exchange method. We compare the resulting schemes and measure specific heat errors and efficiency using the two-dimensional (2D) Ising model. Our tests suggest that, an earlier proposal for using numbers of local moves related to the canonical correlation times is one of the key ingredients for increasing efficiency, and protocols using cluster algorithms are found to be very effective. Some of the protocols are also tested for efficiency and ground state production in 3D spin glass models where we find that, a simple nearest-neighbor approach using a local n-fold way algorithm is the most effective. Finally, we present evidence that the asymptotic limits of the ground state energy for the isotropic case and that of an anisotropic case of the 3D spin-glass model are very close and may even coincide.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Critical Behavior of the Three-Dimensional Ising model with Anisotropic Bond Randomness at the Ferromagnetic-Paramagnetic Transition Line

We study the $\pm J$ three-dimensional Ising model with a spatially uniaxially anisotropic bond randomness on the simple cubic lattice. The $\pm J$ random exchange is applied in the $xy$ planes, whereas in the z direction only a ferromagnetic exchange is used. After sketching the phase diagram and comparing it with the corresponding isotropic case, the system is studied, at the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition line, using parallel tempering and a convenient concentration of antiferromagnetic bonds ($p_z=0 ; p_{xy}=0.176$). The numerical data point out clearly to a second-order ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition belonging in the same universality class with the 3d random Ising model. The smooth finite-size behavior of the effective exponents describing the peaks of the logarithmic derivatives of the order parameter provides an accurate estimate of the critical exponent $1/ν=1.463(3)$ and a collapse analysis of magnetization data gives an estimate $β/ ν=0.516(7)$. These results, are in agreement with previous studies and in particular with those of the isotropic $\pm J$ three-dimensional Ising at the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition line, indicating the irrelevance of the introduced anisotropy.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Universality aspects of the d=3 random-bond Blume-Capel model

The effects of bond randomness on the universality aspects of the simple cubic lattice ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model are discussed. The system is studied numerically in both its first- and second-order phase transition regimes by a comprehensive finite-size scaling analysis. We find that our data for the second-order phase transition, emerging under random bonds from the second-order regime of the pure model, are compatible with the universality class of the 3d random Ising model. Furthermore, we find evidence that, the second-order transition emerging under bond randomness from the first-order regime of the pure model, belongs to a new and distinctive universality class. The first finding reinforces the scenario of a single universality class for the 3d Ising model with the three well-known types of quenched uncorrelated disorder (bond randomness, site- and bond-dilution). The second, amounts to a strong violation of universality principle of critical phenomena. For this case of the ex-first-order 3d Blume-Capel model, we find sharp differences from the critical behaviors, emerging under randomness, in the cases of the ex-first-order transitions of the corresponding weak and strong first-order transitions in the 3d three-state and four-state Potts models.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Universality of the Ising and the S=1 model on Archimedean lattices: A Monte Carlo determination

The Ising model S=1/2 and the S=1 model are studied by efficient Monte Carlo schemes on the (3,4,6,4) and the (3,3,3,3,6) Archimedean lattices. The algorithms used, a hybrid Metropolis-Wolff algorithm and a parallel tempering protocol, are briefly described and compared with the simple Metropolis algorithm. Accurate Monte Carlo data are produced at the exact critical temperatures of the Ising model for these lattices. Their finite-size analysis provide, with high accuracy, all critical exponents which, as expected, are the same with the well known 2d Ising model exact values. A detailed finite-size scaling analysis of our Monte Carlo data for the S=1 model on the same lattices provides very clear evidence that this model obeys, also very well, the 2d Ising model critical exponents. As a result, we find that recent Monte Carlo simulations and attempts to define effective dimensionality for the S=1 model on these lattices are misleading. Accurate estimates are obtained for the critical amplitudes of the logarithmic expansions of the specific heat for both models on the two Archimedean lattices.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Scaling and self-averaging in the three-dimensional random-field Ising model

We investigate, by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations, the magnetic critical behavior of the three-dimensional bimodal random-field Ising model at the strong disorder regime. We present results in favor of the two-exponent scaling scenario, $\barη=2η$, where $η$ and $\barη$ are the critical exponents describing the power-law decay of the connected and disconnected correlation functions and we illustrate, using various finite-size measures and properly defined noise to signal ratios, the strong violation of self-averaging of the model in the ordered phase.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Multicritical Points and Crossover Mediating the Strong Violation of Universality: Wang-Landau Determinations in the Random-Bond $d=2$ Blume-Capel model

The effects of bond randomness on the phase diagram and critical behavior of the square lattice ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model are discussed. The system is studied in both the pure and disordered versions by the same efficient two-stage Wang-Landau method for many values of the crystal field, restricted here in the second-order phase transition regime of the pure model. For the random-bond version several disorder strengths are considered. We present phase diagram points of both pure and random versions and for a particular disorder strength we locate the emergence of the enhancement of ferromagnetic order observed in an earlier study in the ex-first-order regime. The critical properties of the pure model are contrasted and compared to those of the random model. Accepting, for the weak random version, the assumption of the double logarithmic scenario for the specific heat we attempt to estimate the range of universality between the pure and random-bond models. The behavior of the strong disorder regime is also discussed and a rather complex and yet not fully understood behavior is observed. It is pointed out that this complexity is related to the ground-state structure of the random-bond version.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Uncovering the secrets of the 2d random-bond Blume-Capel model

The effects of bond randomness on the ground-state structure, phase diagram and critical behavior of the square lattice ferromagnetic Blume-Capel (BC) model are discussed. The calculation of ground states at strong disorder and large values of the crystal field is carried out by mapping the system onto a network and we search for a minimum cut by a maximum flow method. In finite temperatures the system is studied by an efficient two-stage Wang-Landau (WL) method for several values of the crystal field, including both the first- and second-order phase transition regimes of the pure model. We attempt to explain the enhancement of ferromagnetic order and we discuss the critical behavior of the random-bond model. Our results provide evidence for a strong violation of universality along the second-order phase transition line of the random-bond version.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Criticality in the randomness-induced second-order phase transition of the triangular Ising antiferromagnet with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions

Using a Wang-Landau entropic sampling scheme, we investigate the effects of quenched bond randomness on a particular case of a triangular Ising model with nearest- ($J_{nn}$) and next-nearest-neighbor ($J_{nnn}$) antiferromagnetic interactions. We consider the case $R=J_{nnn}/J_{nn}=1$, for which the pure model is known to have a columnar ground state where rows of nearest-neighbor spins up and down alternate and undergoes a weak first-order phase transition from the ordered to the paramagnetic state. With the introduction of quenched bond randomness we observe the effects signaling the expected conversion of the first-order phase transition to a second-order phase transition and using the Lee-Kosterlitz method, we quantitatively verify this conversion. The emerging, under random bonds, continuous transition shows a strongly saturating specific heat behavior, corresponding to a negative exponent $α$, and belongs to a new distinctive universality class with $ν=1.135(11)$, $γ/ν=1.744(9)$, and $β/ν=0.124(8)$. Thus, our results for the critical exponents support an extensive but weak universality and the emerged continuous transition has the same magnetic critical exponent (but a different thermal critical exponent) as a wide variety of two-dimensional (2d) systems without and with quenched disorder.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Strong Violation of Critical Phenomena Universality: Wang-Landau Study of the 2d Blume-Capel Model under Bond Randomness

We study the pure and random-bond versions of the square lattice ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model, in both the first-order and second-order phase transition regimes of the pure model. Phase transition temperatures, thermal and magnetic critical exponents are determined for lattice sizes in the range L=20-100 via a sophisticated two-stage numerical strategy of entropic sampling in dominant energy subspaces, using mainly the Wang-Landau algorithm. The second-order phase transition, emerging under random bonds from the second-order regime of the pure model, has the same values of critical exponents as the 2d Ising universality class, with the effect of the bond disorder on the specific heat being well described by double-logarithmic corrections, our findings thus supporting the marginal irrelevance of quenched bond randomness. On the other hand, the second-order transition, emerging under bond randomness from the first-order regime of the pure model, has a distinctive universality class with ν=1.30(6) and β/ν=0.128(5). This amounts to a strong violation of the universality principle of critical phenomena, since these two second-order transitions, with different sets of critical exponents, are between the same ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. Furthermore, the latter of these two transitions supports an extensive but weak universality, since it has the same magnetic critical exponent (but a different thermal critical exponent) as a wide variety of two-dimensional systems. In the conversion by bond randomness of the first-order transition of the pure system to second order, we detect, by introducing and evaluating connectivity spin densities, a microsegregation that also explains the increase we find in the phase transition temperature under bond randomness.

cond-mat.dis-nn

First-order transition features of the triangular Ising model with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic interactions

We implement a new and accurate numerical entropic scheme to investigate the first-order transition features of the triangular Ising model with nearest-neighbor ($J_{nn}$) and next-nearest-neighbor ($J_{nnn}$) antiferromagnetic interactions in ratio $R=J_{nn}/J_{nnn}=1$. Important aspects of the existing theories of first-order transitions are briefly reviewed, tested on this model, and compared with previous work on the Potts model. Using lattices with linear sizes $L=30,40,...,100,120,140,160,200,240,360$ and 480 we estimate the thermal characteristics of the present weak first-order transition. Our results improve the original estimates of Rastelli et al. and verify all the generally accepted predictions of the finite-size scaling theory of first-order transitions, including transition point shifts, thermal, and magnetic anomalies. However, two of our findings are not compatible with current phenomenological expectations. The behavior of transition points, derived from the number-of-phases parameter, is not in accordance with the theoretically conjectured exponentially small shift behavior and the well-known double Gaussian approximation does not correctly describe higher correction terms of the energy cumulants. It is argued that this discrepancy has its origin in the commonly neglected contributions from domain wall corrections.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Wang-Landau study of the random bond square Ising model with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions

We report results of a Wang-Landau study of the random bond square Ising model with nearest- ($J_{nn}$) and next-nearest-neighbor ($J_{nnn}$) antiferromagnetic interactions. We consider the case $R=J_{nn}/J_{nnn}=1$ for which the competitive nature of interactions produces a sublattice ordering known as superantiferromagnetism and the pure system undergoes a second-order transition with a positive specific heat exponent $α$. For a particular disorder strength we study the effects of bond randomness and we find that, while the critical exponents of the correlation length $ν$, magnetization $β$, and magnetic susceptibility $γ$ increase when compared to the pure model, the ratios $β/ν$ and $γ/ν$ remain unchanged. Thus, the disordered system obeys weak universality and hyperscaling similarly to other two-dimensional disordered systems. However, the specific heat exhibits an unusually strong saturating behavior which distinguishes the present case of competing interactions from other two-dimensional random bond systems studied previously.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Monte-Carlo analysis of critical properties of the two-dimensional randomly site-diluted Ising model via Wang-Landau algorithm

The influence of random site dilution on the critical properties of the two-dimensional Ising model on a square lattice was explored by Monte Carlo simulations with the Wang-Landau sampling. The lattice linear size was $L = 20-120$ and the concentration of diluted sites $q=0.1, 0.2, 0.3$. Its pure version displays a second-order phase transition with a vanishing specific heat critical exponent $α$, thus, the Harris criterion is inconclusive, in that disorder is a relevant or irrelevant perturbation for the critical behavior of the pure system. The main effort was focused on the specific heat and magnetic susceptibility. We have also looked at the probability distribution of susceptibility, pseudocritical temperatures and specific heat for assessing self-averaging. The study was carried out in appropriate restricted but dominant energy subspaces. By applying the finite-size scaling analysis, the correlation length exponent $ν$ was found to be greater than one, whereas the ratio of the critical exponents ($α/ν$) is negative and ($γ/ν$) retains its pure Ising model value supporting weak universality.

cond-mat.stat-mech

First-order transition features of the 3D bimodal random-field Ising model

Two numerical strategies based on the Wang-Landau and Lee entropic sampling schemes are implemented to investigate the first-order transition features of the 3D bimodal ($\pm h$) random-field Ising model at the strong disorder regime. We consider simple cubic lattices with linear sizes in the range $L=4-32$ and simulate the system for two values of the disorder strength: $h=2$ and $h=2.25$. The nature of the transition is elucidated by applying the Lee-Kosterlitz free-energy barrier method. Our results indicate that, despite the strong first-order-like characteristics, the transition remains continuous, in disagreement with the early mean-field theory prediction of a tricritical point at high values of the random-field.

cond-mat.stat-mech