First-order transition in $XY$ model with higher-order interactions

Abstract: The effect of inclusion of higher-order interactions in the {\it XY} model on critical properties is studied by Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that an increasing number of the higher-order terms in the Hamiltonian modifies the shape of the potential, which beyond a certain value leads to the change of the nature of the transition from continuous to first order. The evidence for the first-order transition is provided in the form of the finite-size scaling and the energy histogram analysis. A rough phase diagram is presented as a function of the number of the higher-order interaction terms.