Duality of the Two-dimensional Ising Model

Chapter 4 begins by discussing the Peierls argument, which allows us to prove the existence of a phase transition in the two-dimensional Ising model. The remaining sections of the chapter deal with duality transformations (duality in square, hexagonal and triangular lattices) that link the low- and high-temperature phases of several statistical models. Particularly important is the proof of the so-called star-triangle identity. This identity will be crucial in the later discussion of the transfer matrix of the Ising model. Finally, it covers the aspect of duality in two dimensions. An appendix provides information about the Poisson sum formula.

PIROGOV–SINAI THEORY WITH NEW CONTOURS FOR SYMMETRIC MODELS

The contour argument was introduced by Peierls for two dimensional Ising model. Peierls benefited from the particular symmetries of the Ising model. For non-symmetric models the argument was developed by Pirogov and Sinai. It is very general and rather difficult. Intuitively clear that the Peierls argument does work for any symmetric model. But contours defined in Pirogov–Sinai theory do not work if one wants to use Peierls argument for more general symmetric models. We give a new definition of contour which allows relatively easier proof to the main result of the Pirogov–Sinai theory for symmetric models. Namely, our contours allow us to apply the classical Peierls argument (with contour removal operation).