Exact results for a generalized classicalO(n) matrix spin model

Abstract

A generalizedO(n) matrix version of the classical Heisenberg model, introduced by Fuller and Lenard as a classical limit of a quantum model, is solved exactly in one dimension. The free energy is analytic and the pair correlation functions decay exponentially for all finite temperatures. It is shown, however, that even for a finite number of spins the model has a phase transition in then → ∞ limit. The transition features a specific heat jump, zero long-range order at all temperatures, and zero correlation length at the critical point. The Curie-Weiss version of the model is also solved exactly and shown to have standard mean-field type behavior for all finiten and to differ from the one-dimensional results in then → ∞ limit.