Novel phase transition in two-dimensional xy-models with long-range interaction

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of results concerning ordering and critical properties of two-dimensional ferromagnets including the dipolar interaction. We investigate a two-dimensional xy-model extended by the dipolar interaction. Describing our system by a nonlinear σ-model and using renormalization group methods we predict a phase transition to an ordered state. This transition is due to the long-range dipolar interaction. The ferromagnetic phase is governed by a low temperature fixed-point with infinite dipolar coupling. In the critical regime we find exponential behavior for the correlation length and the order parameter in contrast to the usual power laws. The nature of the transition shows a striking similarity to the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. We show that there is a whole class of long-range xy-models leading to such non-standard behavior. Parameterizing the divergencies in terms of the correlation length we are able to calculate the critical exponents. These exponents are correct in any loop order