The XY model at finite chemical potential using complex Langevin dynamics

Abstract

The three-dimensional XY model is studied at finite chemical potential using complex Langevin dynamics. An adaptive stepsize algorithm is implemented to cure the problem of runaway solutions that appears when using a constant stepsize. The validity of complex Langevin dynamics is tested against calculations using imaginary chemical potential and the world line formalism. While complex Langevin dynamics is found to work correctly at larger, it fails for smaller, in the region of the phase diagram corresponding to the disordered phase. Diagnostic tests are developed to identify behaviour symptomatic of incorrect convergence. These indicate that the failure does not depend on the severeness of the sign problem, but has a different origin.