Vortex Mass in the Three-Dimensional O(2) Scalar Theory.

We study the spontaneously broken phase of the XY model in three dimensions, with boundary conditions enforcing the presence of a vortex line. Comparing Monte Carlo and field-theoretic determinations of the magnetization and energy density profiles, we numerically determine the mass of the vortex particle in the underlying O(2)-invariant quantum field theory. The result shows, in particular, that the obstruction posed by Derrick's theorem to the existence of stable topological particles in scalar theories in more than two dimensions does not in general persist beyond the classical level.

Correlation spreading and properties of the quantum state in quench dynamics.

The light cone spreading of correlations following a quantum quench is obtained from first principles. Fully taking into account quantum and interaction effects, the derivation shows how light cone dynamics does not require peculiar properties of the postquench state.

Classifying Potts critical lines.

We use scale invariant scattering theory to exactly determine the lines of renormalization group fixed points invariant under the permutational symmetry S_{q} in two dimensions, and we show how one of these scattering solutions describes the ferromagnetic and square lattice antiferromagnetic critical lines of the q-state Potts model. Other solutions we determine should correspond to new critical lines. In particular, we obtain that a S_{q}-invariant fixed point can be found up to the maximal value q=(7+sqrt[17])/2.

Exact Results for Quenched Bond Randomness at Criticality.

We introduce an exact replica method for the study of critical systems with quenched bond randomness in two dimensions. For the q-state Potts model, we show that a line of renormalization group fixed points interpolates from weak to strong randomness as q-2 grows from small to large values. This theory exhibits a q-independent sector, and allows at the same time for a correlation length exponent which keeps the Ising value and continuously varying magnetization exponent and effective central charge.

Phase separation in a wedge: exact results.

The exact theory of phase separation in a two-dimensional wedge is derived from the properties of the order parameter and boundary condition changing operators in field theory. For a shallow wedge we determine the passage probability for an interface with endpoints on the boundary. For generic opening angles we exhibit the fundamental origin of the filling transition condition and of the property known as wedge covariance.