On Non-Ising Phase Transitions in the 3D Standard Ashkin-Teller Model

The phase transition line near the Ising point region is studied for the 3D standard Ashkin-Teller model on a cubic lattice. This model with a multicomponent order parameter is one of the important reference points in statistical physics since it shows an interesting and complicated phase diagram. The main motivation for our study was nonuniversal behavior suggested for this line. The large-scale Monte Carlo simulations using the Binder and Challa like cumulants are performed. Accurate analysis to exclude the latent heat inherence is applied. Specific behavior of the Challa like cumulants is discovered and its interpretation is proposed. The paper is closed with preliminary conclusions concerning the continuous but non-Ising character of these phase transitions in the lower part of the mixed phase region and the possiblity of the first order on the line connecting it to the Ising point.