We predict the existence of a new class of phases in weakly coupled, three-dimensional stacks of two-dimensional (2D) XY models. These ``sliding phases'' behave like decoupled, independent 2D XY models with zero free-energy cost for macroscopic relative rotation of spins in different layers and algebraic decay of two-point spin correlation functions with in-plane separation. Our results, which contradict past studies because we include higher-gradient couplings between layers, also apply to crystals and may explain recently observed behavior in cationic lipid-DNA complexes.
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O’Hern et al. (1999) studied this question.
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