Quantum extraordinary-log universality of boundary critical behavior

The recent discovery of extraordinary-log universality has generated intense interest in classical and quantum boundary critical phenomena. Despite tremendous efforts, the existence of quantum extraordinary-log univer-sality remains extremely controversial. Here, by utilizing quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we study the quantum edge criticality of a two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model featuring emergent bulk criticality. On top of an insulating bulk, the open edges experience a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like transition into the superfluid phase when the hopping strength is sufficiently enhanced on edges. At the bulk critical point, the open edges exhibit the special, ordinary, and extraordinary critical phases. In the extraordinary phase, logarithms are involved in the finite-size scaling of two-point correlation and superfluid stiffness, which admit a classical-quantum correspondence for the extraordinary-log universality. Thanks to modern quantum emulators for interacting bosons in lattices, the edge critical phases might be realized in experiments.

Automated summary

The recent discovery of extraordinary-log universality has sparked intense interest in classical and quantum boundary critical phenomena. Through quantum Monte Carlo simulations, this study investigates the quantum edge criticality of a two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model, revealing the transition of the edges from an insulating bulk to a superfluid phase. The open edges exhibit special, ordinary, and extraordinary critical phases at the bulk critical point.