Phase transitions in a two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Potts model on a triangular lattice with next-nearest neighbor interactions

Abstract

Phase transitions (PTs) and frustrations in two-dimensional structures described by a three-vertex antiferromagnetic Potts model on a triangular lattice are investigated by the Monte Carlo method with regard to nearest and next-nearest neighbors with interaction constants J₁ and J₂, respectively. PTs in these models are analyzed for the ratio r = J₂/J₁ of next-nearest to nearest exchange interaction constants in the interval |r| = 0–1.0. On the basis of the analysis of the low-temperature entropy, the density of states function of the system, and the fourth-order Binder cumulants, it is shown that a Potts model with interaction constants J₁ < 0 and J₂ < 0 exhibits a first-order PT in the range of 0 ⩽ r < 0.2, whereas, in the interval 0.2 ⩽ r ⩽ 1.0, frustrations arise in the system. At the same time, for J₁ > 0 and J₂ < 0, frustrations arise in the range 0.5 < |r| < 1.0, while, in the interval 0 ⩽ |r| ⩽ 1/3, the model exhibits a second-order PT.