title: Quasi-Long-Range Order and Vortex Lattice in the Three-State Potts Model.
abstract: We show that the order-disorder phase transition in the three-state Potts ferromagnet on a square lattice is driven by a coupled proliferation of domain walls and vortices. Raising the vortex core energy above a threshold value decouples the proliferation and splits the transition into two. The phase between the two transitions exhibits an emergent U(1) symmetry and quasi-long-range order. Lowering the core energy below a threshold value also splits the order-disorder transition but the system forms a vortex lattice in the intermediate phase.
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India.
authors.forename: Soumyadeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharya
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India.
authors.forename: Purusattam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ray