Conformal anomaly and critical exponents of theXYIsing model

We use extensive Monte Carlo transfer-matrix calculations on infinite strips of widths L up to 30 lattice spacing and a finite-size scaling analysis to obtain critical exponents and conformal anomaly number c for the two-dimensional XY Ising model. This model is expected to describe the critical behavior of a class of systems with simultaneous U(1) and ${\mathit{Z}}_2$ symmetries of which the fully frustrated XY model is a special case. The effective values obtained for c show a significant decrease with L at different points along the line where the transition to the ordered phase takes place in a single transition. Extrapolations based on power-law corrections give values consistent with c=3/2 although larger values cannot be ruled out. Critical exponents are obtained more accurately and are consistent with previous Monte Carlo simulations suggesting critical behavior and with recent calculations for the frustrated XY model.