Two-dimensional isotropic orientational glasses: a computer-simulation study

The analogue of the Edwards-Anderson model for isotropic vector spin glasses, but taking three-component quadrupoles instead of spins at each lattice site, is studied on the square lattice with extensive Monte Carlo calculations, using a nearest-neighbor symmetric gaussian interaction. It is shown that at low temperaturesT the model develops a short range order both with respect to glass like correlations and with respect to “ferromagnetic” correlations among the quadrupoles. The associated correlation lengths and susceptibilities diverge asT→0, and the critical exponents for this zero-temperature phase transition are estimated. Dynamic correlation functions are analyzed as well and it is s…