Finite-size scaling of O(n) models with singular behaviour: Magnetization and susceptibility in the presence of an external field

Abstract

The analysis of a previous study (Allen and Pathria. Can. J. Phys. 67, 952 (1989)) on finite-size effects in systems with O(n) symmetry [Formula: see text], confined to geometry Ld−d′ × ∞d′ (where d and d′ are continuous variables such that 2 < d′ < d < 4) and subjected to periodic boundary conditions, is extended (i) to include the region of first-order phase transition (T < Tc) as well as the region of second-order phase transition [Formula: see text] and (ii) to allow the presence of an external field H > 0. Predictions, involving both amplitudes and exponents, are made on the magnetization m and susceptibility χ in different regimes of the variables T, H, and L. Analytical verification of the predicted results is carried out in the case of the spherical model of ferromagnetism (n = ∞), and complete agreement is found.