Dimensional crossover in the layered xy-model

Using the Monte-Carlo technique we studied the isotropic layered xy-model. We concentrate on the fall of the transition temperature Tc, the behavior of the specific heat and the vortex density with reduced thickness. Our approximate Ginzburg-Landau treatment suggests that the drop of Tc resulting from the dimensional crossover is a combination of fluctuation and boundary effects. © 1992 Springer-Verlag.