Classical limit of sine-Gordon thermodynamics using the Bethe ansatz

We use the quantum Bethe ansatz method to compute the free energy of the sine-Gordon model in the classical limit. In this limit the number of breathers, and hence the number of coupled integral equations to be solved, diverges. By linearizing the breather mass spectrum and phase shifts, extending a method of Maki, we can reduce the breather ladder to anharmonic phonons. The divergent set of integral equations is reduced to only two, for interacting phonons and solitons. We solve these equations iteratively to give the free energy in a double series in the temperature t and the soliton density $e^{\mathrm{-}1/t}$ which agrees to high order with classical transfer integral results.