Transfer matrix spectrum for the finite-width Ising model with adjustable boundary conditions: Exact solution

Using the spinor approach, we calculate exactly the complete spectrum of the transfer matrix for the finite-width, planar Ising model with adjustable boundary conditions. Specifically, in order to control the boundary conditions, we consider an Ising model wrapped around the cylinder, and introduce along the axis a seam of defect bonds of variable strength. Depending on the boundary conditions used, the mass gap is found to vanish algebraically or exponentially with the size of the system. These results are compared with recent numerical simulations, and with random-walk and capillary-wave arguments.