Dual simulation of the two-dimensional lattice U(1) gauge-Higgs model with a topological term

The two-dimensional U(1) gauge-Higgs model with a topological term is a simple example of a lattice field theory where the complex action problem comes from the topological term. We show that the model can be exactly rewritten in terms of dual variables, such that the dual partition sum has only real and positive contributions. Using suitable algorithms the dual formulation allows for Monte Carlo simulations at arbitrary values of the vacuum angle. We demonstrate the feasibility of the dual simulation and study the continuum limit, as well as the phase diagram of the system.