Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Exploring instantons in nonlinear sigma models with spin-lattice systems

Schenk, Sebastian; Spannowsky, Michael

Exploring instantons in nonlinear sigma models with spin-lattice systems Thumbnail


Authors

Sebastian Schenk



Abstract

Instanton processes are present in a variety of quantum field theories relevant to high energy as well as condensed matter physics. While they have led to important theoretical insights and physical applications, their underlying features often remain elusive due to the complicated computational treatment. Here, we address this problem by studying topological as well as nontopological instantons using Monte Carlo methods on lattices of interacting spins. As a proof of principle, we systematically construct instanton solutions in O ( 3 ) nonlinear sigma models with a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in ( 1 + 1 ) and ( 1 + 2 ) dimensions, thereby resembling an example of a chiral magnet. We demonstrate that, due to their close correspondence, Monte Carlo techniques in spin-lattice systems are well suited to describe topologically nontrivial field configurations in these theories. In particular, by means of simulated annealing, we demonstrate how to obtain domain walls, merons, and critical instanton solutions.

Citation

Schenk, S., & Spannowsky, M. (2021). Exploring instantons in nonlinear sigma models with spin-lattice systems. Physical Review B, 103(14), Article 144436. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.103.144436

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 19, 2021
Online Publication Date Apr 30, 2021
Publication Date Apr 1, 2021
Deposit Date Sep 30, 2021
Publicly Available Date Sep 30, 2021
Journal Physical Review B
Print ISSN 2469-9950
Electronic ISSN 2469-9969
Publisher American Physical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 103
Issue 14
Article Number 144436
DOI https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.103.144436

Files

Published Journal Article (1.2 Mb)
PDF

Copyright Statement
Reprinted with permission from the American Physical Society: Schenk, Sebastian & Spannowsky, Michael (2021). Exploring instantons in nonlinear sigma models with spin-lattice systems. Physical Review B 103(14): 144436.
© (2021) by the American Physical Society. Readers may view, browse, and/or download material for temporary copying purposes only, provided these uses are for noncommercial personal purposes. Except as provided by law, this material may not be further reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, adapted, performed, displayed, published, or sold in whole or part, without prior written permission from the American Physical Society.





You might also like



Downloadable Citations