Numerical insights into the phase diagram of p-atic membranes with spherical topology

Abstract.: The properties of self-avoiding p-atic membranes restricted to spherical topology have been studied by Monte Carlo simulations of a triangulated random surface model. Spherically shaped p-atic membranes undergo a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition as expected with topology induced mutually repelling disclinations of the p-atic ordered phase. For flexible membranes the phase behaviour bears some resemblance to the spherically shaped case with a p-atic disordered crumpled phase and p-atic ordered, conformationally ordered (crinkled) phase separated by a KT-like transition with proliferation of disclinations. We confirm the proposed buckling of disclinations in the p-atic ordered phase, while the expected associated disordering (crumpling) transition at low bending rigidities is absent in the phase diagram. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]