From surface to random criticality in layered planar Ising models

Abstract

A general case of a spatially nonuniform planar layered Ising model, or an equivalent quantum Ising chain, is analysed with an exact functional real space renormalization group. Various surface, finite size, quasiperiodic and random layer (McCoy-Wu) universality classes are obtained and discussed within a single theoretical framework leading to new insights into the nature of random criticality.