Logarithmic observables in critical percolation

Although it has long been known that the proper quantum field theory description of critical percolation involves a logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT), no direct consequence of this has been observed so far. Representing critical bond percolation as the Q → 1 limit of the Q-state Potts model, and analyzing the underlying SQ symmetry of the Potts spins, we identify a class of simple observables whose two-point functions scale logarithmically for Q → 1. The logarithm originates from the mixing of the energy operator with a logarithmic partner that we identify as the field that creates two propagating clusters. In d = 2 dimensions this agrees with general LCFT results, and in particular the universal prefactor of the logarithm can be computed exactly. We confirm its numerical value by carrying out extensive Monte Carlo simulations. (letter)