Phase transitions in the three-dimensional Z(N) models

Abstract

Phase transitions in zero-temperature 3D Z(N) lattice gauge theories are studied. We use a cluster algorithm defined for the dual formulation of the models. We also attempt to explain the nature of the intermediate continuously symmetric phase, which appears for N>5. The critical indices are calculated. The results obtained are used to study the scaling of critical points with N, as well as the scaling of finite-temperature critical points with the lattice size in the time direction, $N_t$.