Paper detail

Graphical representations of Ising and Potts models

We study graphical representations for two related models. The first model is the transverse field quantum Ising model, an extension of the original Ising model which was introduced by Lieb, Schultz and Mattis in the 1960's. The second model is the space-time percolation process, which is closely related to the contact model for the spread of disease. We consider a `space-time' random-cluster model and explore a range of useful probabilistic techniques for studying it. The space-time Potts model emerges as a natural generalization of the quantum Ising model. The basic properties of the phase transitions in these models are treated, such as the fact that there is at most one unbounded FK-cluster, and the resulting lower bound on the critical value in $\ZZ$. We also develop an alternative graphical representation of the quantum Ising model, called the random-parity representation. This representation is based on the random-current representation of the classical Ising model, and allows us to study in much greater detail the phase transition and critical behaviour. The random-parity representation is used to prove sharpness of the phase transition in the quantum Ising model, and to establish bounds on some critical exponents. We address these issues by using the random-parity representation to establish certain differential inequalities, integration of which give the results. Finally we explore some consequences and possible extensions of the results mentioned. For example, we determine the critical point for the quantum Ising model in $\ZZ$ and in `star-like' geometries.