
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Hamer, C. J. 
T1  - Finite-Size Scaling and Effective Lagrangian Theory
JF  - Australian Journal of Physics
JO  - Aust. J.  Phys.
Y1  - 1997
VL  - 50
IS  - 6
SP  - 1051
EP  - 1060
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/P97001 
N2  - A brief review is given of the &#8216;effective Lagrangian&#8217; approach of Leutwyler, Hasenfratz and others, which describes the behaviour at low energies or temperatures, or large distances, in lattice systems which undergo a first-order transition involving spontaneous breakdown of a continuous symmetry. Universal predictions can be given, based on a continuum field theory of the massless Goldstone bosons generated by the breakdown of the symmetry, which control the behaviour in these regimes. In particular, the finite-size scaling behaviour can be predicted, in a way very similar to the predictions of conformal invariance for a two-dimensional system at a critical point. Conversely, measurements of the finite-size scaling behaviour can give estimates of the parameters of the Goldstone bosons. These points are illustrated using data for the O(2) Heisenberg spin model in (2+1) dimensions, and the XXZ antiferromagnet on a square lattice. 
ER  -

