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From quantum dimers to the π-flux toric code via deconfined multicriticality

Ankush Chaubey1,2,*, Sergej Moroz2,3,†, and Subhro Bhattacharjee1,‡

  • *Contact author: ankush.chaubey@icts.res.in
  • †Contact author: sergej.moroz@kau.se
  • ‡Contact author: subhro@icts.res.in
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Phys. Rev. B 114, 165131 – Published 22 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/1bht-9h21

Abstract

Two-dimensional Rokhsar-Kivelson (RK) dimer models on bipartite lattices are generally limited to translation-symmetry-broken dimer crystals. We introduce a tensor-product regularization of the dimer Hilbert space that yields a qubit Hamiltonian interpolating from the RK model to the π-flux toric code, thereby accessing a deconfined Z2 topological liquid. In this framework, the Z2 liquid descends from a multicritical U(1) spin liquid through condensation of a charge-2 Higgs field, thus avoiding confinement. Using iDMRG together with low-energy field theory, we determine a phase diagram containing two continuous quantum phase transitions—a 3D XY* transition between the Z2 liquid and the columnar/plaquette-VBS, and a quantum Lifshitz transition between two dimer crystals—alongside a first-order transition between the staggered crystal and the Z2 liquid. Our field theory suggests a deconfined multicritical point described by an Abelian Higgs model with dynamical critical exponent, z=2, where the three transitions meet, highlighting the interplay of fractionalization and emergent gauge fluctuations.

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Phys. Rev. B 114, 165131– Published 22 September, 2026
  • Received 3 May 2026
  • Revised 18 August 2026
  • Accepted 20 August 2026
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