A new exponent in the equilibrium shape of crystal surfaces

A new exponent characterizing the rounding of crystal facets is found by mapping a crystal surface onto the asymmetric six-vertex model (i.e. with external fields h and ) and using the Bethe ansatz to obtain appropriate expansions of the free energy close to criticality. Leading order exponents in , are determined along the whole phase boundary and in an arbitrary direction. A possible experimental verification of this result is discussed. (special issue in memory of vladimir rittenberg)