Synchronization and spin-flop transitions for a mean-field XY model in random field

Abstract

We characterize the phase space for the infinite volume limit of a ferromagnetic mean-field XY model in a random field pointing in one direction with two symmetric values. We determine the stationary solutions and detect possible phase transitions in the interaction strength for fixed random field intensity. We show that at low temperature magnetic ordering appears perpendicularly to the field. The latter situation corresponds to a spin-flop transition.