Corner contribution to cluster numbers in the Potts model

Abstract

For the two-dimensional $Q$-state Potts model at criticality, we consider Fortuin-Kasteleyn and spin clusters and study the average number ${N}_{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ of clusters that intersect a given contour $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$. To leading order, ${N}_{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ is proportional to the length of the curve. Additionally, however, there occur logarithmic contributions related to the corners of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$. These are found to be universal and their size can be calculated employing techniques from conformal field theory. For the Fortuin-Kasteleyn clusters relevant to the thermal phase transition, we find agreement with these predictions from large-scale numerical simulations. For the spin clusters, on the other hand, the cluster numbers are not found to be consistent with the values obtained by analytic continuation, as conventionally assumed.