Melting Scenarios of Two-Dimensional Systems: Possibilities of Computer Simulation

Modern theories of melting of two-dimensional systems are discussed that are mainly based on the concepts of the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) theory of phase transitions in two-dimensional systems with continuous symmetry. Today there exist three basic scenarios of melting of two-dimensional crystals. First of all, this is the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless–Halperin–Nelson–Young (BKTHNY) theory, in which two-dimensional crystals are melted through two BKT-type continuous transitions with an intermediate hexatic phase. In this case a first-order phase transition can also occur. The third scenario has recently been proposed by Bernard and Krauth (BK), in which melting can occur through a BKT-type transition; in this case the hexatic phase–isotropic fluid transition is a first-order transition. The review presents a critical analysis of the approaches used to determine the parameters and the type of transition by computer simulation methods.