Topological charge scaling at a quantum phase transition

We reexamine the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in the ground state vertical bar Psi(0)> of an antiferromagnetic spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions lambda from a different perspective: After defining winding number (topological charge) W in the basis of resonating valence bond states, the finite-size scaling of , , leads to the accurate value of critical coupling lambda(c) = 0.2412 +/- 0.0007 and to the value of subleading critical exponent nu = 2.000 +/- 0.001. This approach should be useful when examining the topological phase transitions in all systems described in the basis of resonating valence bonds.

Automated summary

This study reexamines the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in an antiferromagnetic spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions from a new perspective. By defining the winding number W and utilizing finite-size scaling, the accurate values of critical coupling and subleading critical exponent are determined. This approach is considered useful for analyzing topological phase transitions in systems described by resonating valence bond states.