Institut für Theorie der Elementarteilchen, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-1000, Berlin 33, Germany
Abstract:
We perform further Monte Carlo simulations of the Laplacian roughening model on a triangular lattice to decide whether two-dimensional defect melting proceeds in a single first-order or two successive continuous transitions, as predicted by two conflicting theories. Of the two alternatives, the new high-statistics Monte Carlo data favor the single first-order transition.