Fourier Monte Carlo renormalization-group approach to crystalline membranes

The computation of the critical exponent η characterizing the universal elastic behavior of crystalline membranes in the flat phase continues to represent challenges to theorists as well as computer simulators that manifest themselves in a considerable spread of numerical results for η published in the literature. We present additional insight into this problem that results from combining Wilson's momentum shell renormalization-group method with the power of modern computer simulations based on the Fourier Monte Carlo algorithm. After discussing the ideas and difficulties underlying this combined scheme, we present a calculation of the renormalization-group flow of the effective two-dimensional Young modulus for momentum shells of different thickness. Extrapolation to infinite shell thickness allows us to produce results in reasonable agreement with those obtained by functional renormalization group or by Fourier Monte Carlo simulations in combination with finite-size scaling. Moreover, our method allows us to obtain a decent estimate for the value of the Wegner exponent ω that determines the leading correction to scaling, which in turn allows us to refine our numerical estimate for η previously obtained from precise finite-size scaling data.