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John Cardy

Publications and source records attributed to John Cardy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
arXiv2006

The O(n) model on the annulus

We use Coulomb gas methods to propose an explicit form for the scaling limit of the partition function of the critical O(n) model on an annulus, with free boundary conditions, as a function of its modulus. This correctly takes into account the magnetic charge asymmetry and the decoupling of the null states. It agrees with an earlier conjecture based on Bethe ansatz and quantum group symmetry, and with all known results for special values of n. It gives new formulae for percolation (the probability that a cluster connects the two opposite boundaries) and for self-avoiding loops (the partition function for a single loop wrapping non-trivially around the annulus.) The limit n->0 also gives explicit examples of partition functions in logarithmic conformal field theory.

math-ph↗
arXiv2006

Time-dependence of correlation functions following a quantum quench

We show that the time-dependence of correlation functions in an extended quantum system in d dimensions, which is prepared in the ground state of some hamiltonian and then evolves without dissipation according to some other hamiltonian, may be extracted using methods of boundary critical phenomena in d+1 dimensions. For d=1 particularly powerful results are available using conformal field theory. These are checked against those available from solvable models. They may be explained in terms of a picture, valid more generally, whereby quasiparticles, entangled over regions of the order of the correlation length in the initial state, then propagate classically through the system.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2006

SLE(kappa,rho) and Conformal Field Theory

SLE(kappa,rho) is a generalisation of Schramm-Loewner evolution which describes planar curves which are statistically self-similar but not conformally invariant in the strict sense. We show that, in the context of boundary conformal field theory, this process arises naturally in models which contain a conserved U(1) current density J, in which case it gives rise to a highest weight state satisfying a deformation of the usual level 2 null state condition. We apply this to a free field theory with piecewise constant Dirichlet boundary conditions, with a discontinuity lambda at the origin, and argue that this will lead to level lines in the bulk described by SLE(4,rho) across which there is a universal macroscopic jump lambda* in the field, independent of the value of lambda.

math-ph↗
arXiv2006

The scaling limit of two cluster boundaries in critical lattice models

The probability that a point is to one side of a curve in Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE) can be obtained alternatively using boundary conformal field theory (BCFT). We extend the BCFT approach to treat two curves, forming, for example, the left and right boundaries of a cluster. This proves to correspond to a generalisation to SLE(kappa,rho), with rho=2. We derive the probabilities that a given point lies between two curves or to one side of both. We find analytic solutions for the cases kappa=0,2,4,8/3,8. The result for kappa=6 leads to predictions for the current distribution at the plateau transition in the semiclassical approximation to the quantum Hall effect.

math-ph↗
arXiv2005

Entanglement entropy and quantum field theory: a non-technical introduction

In these proceedings we give a pedagogical and non-technical introduction to the Quantum Field Theory approach to entanglement entropy. Particular attention is devoted to the one space dimensional case, with a linear dispersion relation, that, at a quantum critical point, can be effectively described by a two-dimensional Conformal Field Theory.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2005

SLE for theoretical physicists

This article provides an introduction to Schramm(stochastic)-Loewner evolution (SLE) and to its connection with conformal field theory, from the point of view of its application to two-dimensional critical behaviour. The emphasis is on the conceptual ideas rather than rigorous proofs.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2005

Evolution of Entanglement Entropy in One-Dimensional Systems

We study the unitary time evolution of the entropy of entanglement of a one-dimensional system between the degrees of freedom in an interval of length l and its complement, starting from a pure state which is not an eigenstate of the hamiltonian. We use path integral methods of quantum field theory as well as explicit computations for the transverse Ising spin chain. In both cases, there is a maximum speed v of propagation of signals. In general the entanglement entropy increases linearly with time $t$ up to t=l/2v, after which it saturates at a value proportional to l, the coefficient depending on the initial state. This behavior may be understood as a consequence of causality.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2005

Morphogen Gradient from a Noisy Source

We investigate the effect of time-dependent noise on the shape of a morphogen gradient in a developing embryo. Perturbation theory is used to calculate the deviations from deterministic behavior in a simple reaction-diffusion model of robust gradient formation, and the results are confirmed by numerical simulation. It is shown that such deviations can disrupt robustness for sufficiently high noise levels, and the implications of these findings for more complex models of gradient-shaping pathways are discussed.

q-bio.TO↗
arXiv2004

Network Models in Class C on Arbitrary Graphs

We consider network models of quantum localisation in which a particle with a two-component wave function propagates through the nodes and along the edges of an arbitrary directed graph, subject to a random SU(2) rotation on each edge it traverses. The propagation through each node is specified by an arbitrary but fixed S-matrix. Such networks model localisation problems in class C of the classification of Altland and Zirnbauer, and, on suitable graphs, they model the spin quantum Hall transition. We extend the analyses of Gruzberg, Ludwig and Read and of Beamond, Cardy and Chalker to show that, on an arbitrary graph, the mean density of states and the mean conductance may be calculated in terms of observables of a classical history-dependent random walk on the same graph. The transition weights for this process are explicitly related to the elements of the S-matrices. They are correctly normalised but, on graphs with nodes of degree greater than 4, not necessarily non-negative (and therefore interpretable as probabilities) unless a sufficient number of them happen to vanish. Our methods use a supersymmetric path integral formulation of the problem which is completely finite and rigorous.

math-ph↗
arXiv2004

Calogero-Sutherland model and bulk-boundary correlations in conformal field theory

We show that, in any conformal field theory, the weights of all bulk primary fields that couple to N phi_{2,1} fields on the boundary are given by the spectrum of an N-particle Calogero-Sutherland model. The corresponding correlation function is simply related to the N-particle wave function. Examples are discussed for the minimal models and for the non-unitary O(n) model.

hep-th↗
arXiv2003

Stochastic Loewner Evolution and Dyson's Circular Ensembles

Stochastic Loewner Evolution (SLE_kappa) has been introduced as a description of the continuum limit of cluster boundaries in two-dimensional critical systems. We show that the problem of N radial SLEs in the unit disc is equivalent to Dyson's Brownian motion on the boundary of the disc, with parameter beta=4/kappa. As a result various equilibrium critical models give realisations of circular ensembles with beta different from the classical values of 1,2 and 4 which correspond to symmetry classes of random U(N) matrices. Some of the bulk critical exponents are related to the spectrum of the associated Calogero-Sutherland hamiltonian. The main result is also checked against the predictions of conformal field theory.

math-ph↗
arXiv2003

Quantum and classical localisation and the Manhattan lattice

We consider a network model, embedded on the Manhattan lattice, of a quantum localisation problem belonging to symmetry class C. This arises in the context of quasiparticle dynamics in disordered spin-singlet superconductors which are invariant under spin rotations but not under time reversal. A mapping exists between problems belonging to this symmetry class and certain classical random walks which are self-avoiding and have attractive interactions; we exploit this equivalence, using a study of the classical random walks to gain information about the corresponding quantum problem. In a field-theoretic approach, we show that the interactions may flow to one of two possible strong coupling regimes separated by a transition: however, using Monte Carlo simulations we show that the walks are in fact always compact two-dimensional objects with a well-defined one-dimensional surface, indicating that the corresponding quantum system is localised.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2002

Conformal Invariance in Percolation, Self-Avoiding Walks and Related Problems

Over the years, problems like percolation and self-avoiding walks have provided important testing grounds for our understanding of the nature of the critical state. I describe some very recent ideas, as well as some older ones, which cast light both on these problems themselves and on the quantum field theories to which they correspond. These ideas come from conformal field theory, Coulomb gas mappings, and stochastic Loewner evolution.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2002

Families of Vicious Walkers

We consider a generalisation of the vicious walker problem in which N random walkers in R^d are grouped into p families. Using field-theoretic renormalisation group methods we calculate the asymptotic behaviour of the probability that no pairs of walkers from different families have met up to time t. For d>2, this is constant, but for d<2 it decays as a power t^(-alpha), which we compute to O(epsilon^2) in an expansion in epsilon=2-d. The second order term depends on the ratios of the diffusivities of the different families. In two dimensions, we find a logarithmic decay (ln t)^(-alpha'), and compute alpha' exactly.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2002

Crossing Formulae for Critical Percolation in an Annulus

An exact formula is given for the probability that there exists a spanning cluster between opposite boundaries of an annulus, in the scaling limit of critical percolation. The entire distribution function for the number of distinct spanning clusters is also given. These results are found using Coulomb gas methods. Their forms are compared with the expectations of conformal field theory.

math-ph↗
arXiv2002

Exact results for the universal area distribution of clusters in percolation, Ising and Potts models

At the critical point in two dimensions, the number of percolation clusters of enclosed area greater than A is proportional to 1/A, with a proportionality constant C that is universal. We show theoretically (based upon Coulomb gas methods), and verify numerically to high precision, that C = 1/(8 sqrt(3) pi) = 0.022972037.... We also derive, and verify to varying precision, the corresponding constant for Ising spin clusters, and for Fortuin-Kasteleyn clusters of the Q=2, 3 and 4-state Potts models.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗
arXiv2002

Quantum and classical localisation, the spin quantum Hall effect and generalisations

We consider network models for localisation problems belonging to symmetry class C. This symmetry class arises in a description of the dynamics of quasiparticles for disordered spin-singlet superconductors which have a Bogoliubov - de Gennes Hamiltonian that is invariant under spin rotations but not under time-reversal. Our models include but also generalise the one studied previously in the context of the spin quantum Hall effect. For these systems we express the disorder-averaged conductance and density of states in terms of sums over certain classical random walks, which are self-avoiding and have attractive interactions. A transition between localised and extended phases of the quantum system maps in this way to a similar transition for the classical walks. In the case of the spin quantum Hall effect, the classical walks are the hulls of percolation clusters, and our approach provides an alternative derivation of a mapping first established by Gruzberg, Read and Ludwig, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 4254 (1999).

cond-mat.mes-hall↗