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Ordering, metastability and phase transitions in two-dimensional systems

J M Kosterlitz and D J Thouless

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A new definition of order called topological order is proposed for two-dimensional systems in which no long-range order of the conventional type exists. The possibility of a phase transition characterized by a change in the response of the system to an external perturbation is discussed in the context of a mean field type of approximation. The critical behaviour found in this model displays very weak singularities. The application of these ideas to the xy model of magnetism, the solid-liquid transition, and the neutral superfluid are discussed. This type of phase transition cannot occur in a superconductor nor in a Heisenberg ferromagnet.


PACS

75.30.Kz Magnetic phase boundaries (including magnetic transitions, metamagnetism, etc.)

64.70.D- Solid–liquid transitions

75.10.Jm Quantized spin models

61.72.Hh Indirect evidence of dislocations and other defects (resistivity, slip, creep, strains, internal friction, EPR, NMR, etc.)

75.40.-s Critical-point effects, specific heats, short-range order

Subjects

Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical

Condensed matter: structural, mechanical & thermal

Dates

Issue 7 (12 April 1973)



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