Phases of the (2+1) Dimensional SO(5) Nonlinear Sigma Model with Topological Term

We use the half-filled zeroth Landau level in graphene as a regularization scheme to study the physics of the SO(5) nonlinear sigma model subject to a Wess-Zumino-Witten topological term in 2 + 1 dimensions. As shown by Ippoliti et al. [Phys. Rev. B 98, 235108 (2019)], this approach allows for negative sign free auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo simulations. The model has a single free parameter U-0 that monitors the stiffness. Within the parameter range accessible to negative sign free simulations, we observe an ordered phase in the large U-0 or stiff limit. Remarkably, upon reducing U-0 the magnetization drops substantially, and the correlation length exceeds our biggest system sizes, accommodating 100 flux quanta. The implications of our results for deconfined quantum phase transitions between valence bond solids and antifeiromagnets are discussed.

Automated summary

The study utilizes the half-filled zeroth Landau level in graphene as a regularization scheme to explore the physics of the SO(5) nonlinear sigma model subject to a Wess-Zumino-Witten topological term in 2 + 1 dimensions. The research shows an ordered phase within a specific parameter range, indicating the potential for deconfined quantum phase transitions between valence bond solids and antiferromagnets.