Approximating the XY model on a random graph with a $q$-states clock model

Numerical simulations of spin glass models with continuous variables set the problem of a reliable but efficient discretization of such variables. In particular, the main question is how fast physical observables computed in the discretized model converge toward the ones of the continuous model when the number of states of the discretized model increases. We answer this question for the XY model and its discretization, the $q$-states clock model, in the mean-field setting provided by random graphs. It is found that the convergence of physical observables is exponentially fast in the number $q$ of states of the clock model, so allowing a very reliable approximation of the XY model by using a rather small number of states. Furthermore, such an exponential convergence is found to be independent from the disorder distribution used. Only at $T=0$ the convergence is slightly slower (stretched exponential). We also study the 1RSB solution of the $q$-states clock model in the low temperature spin glass phase.