Non-Local Finite-Size Effects in the Dimer Model

Abstract

We study the finite-size corrections of the dimer model on $\infty \times N$ square lattice with two different boundary conditions: free and periodic. We find that the finite-size corrections depend in a crucial way on the parity of $N$, and show that, because of certain non-local features present in the model, a change of parity of $N$ induces a change of boundary condition. Taking a careful account of this, these unusual finite-size behaviours can be fully explained in the framework of the $c=-2$ logarithmic conformal field theory.