Bulk and boundary scattering in the q-state potts mode

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the properties of 1 + 1 dimensional massive field theories in both infinite and semi-infinite geometries. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 develop the necessary theoretical framework and review existing work by Chim and Zamolodchikov [1] on integrable perturbations of the (bulk) q-state Potts model, the particular model under consideration in this thesis. Chapter 4 consists of a detailed analysis of the bootstrap for this model, during the course of which unexpected behaviour arises. The treatment of 1] has consequently been revised, but further investigation will be necessary before complete understanding of this behaviour can be reached. In the final chapter, attention turns to the imposition of boundary conditions on two dimensional systems. After looking at this from a statistical mechanical point of view, a brief review of boundary conformal held theory and its integrable perturbations is given. This leads once more to a consideration of the q-state Potts model. After summarising [2], where fixed and free boundary conditions are considered, a third and previously untreated boundary condition is discussed.