The two-dimensional disordered $O(N)$ sigma model

Abstract

We introduce a two-dimensional $O(N)$ nonlinear sigma model with random Gaussian $p$-body interactions. The model combines the structure of a two-dimensional bosonic SYK-type quantum field theory with the stabilizing spherical constraint of the nonlinear sigma model. At large $N$ we derive the Schwinger-Dyson equations on a torus and analyze the solutions using both analytical approximations and numerical methods. We find a phase diagram qualitatively similar to that of the one-dimensional quantum spherical $p$-spin model, including a low-temperature transition to a spin glass phase. This phase is characterized by a finite Edwards-Anderson order parameter, while the dynamical part of the two-point function displays an approximate scaling regime. These results provide a tractable setting for studying approximate conformal behavior and glassy physics in a two-dimensional relativistic field theory with disorder.