Random clusters in the Villain and XY models

Abstract: In the Ising and Potts model, random cluster representations provide a geometric interpretation to spin correlations. We discuss similar constructions for the Villain and XY models, where spins take values in the circle, as well as extensions to models with different single site spin spaces. In the Villain case, we highlight natural interpretation in terms of the cable system extension of the model. We also list questions and open problems on the cluster representations obtained in this fashion.