Dualities and topological classification of the S = 1 pyrochlore spin ice

We derive dual descriptions of the trivial paramagnetic, $\mathbb{Z}_2$-deconfined, and $\mathbb{Z}_2$-confined U(1) Coulomb phases of the $S=1$ pyrochlore spin ice. In the monopole-free limit, the system can be effectively mapped onto 3D $XY$ and Ising loop-gas models depending on the spin anisotropy, which provides theoretical estimates for the phase boundaries, while a macroscopic flux vector classifies the topological sectors via geometric parity rules. Thermal unit monopoles permit endpoints of both directed spin loops and unoriented vacancy loops. The resulting relevant symmetry-breaking fields in the dual $XY$ and Ising descriptions predict rounded crossovers near the monopole-free critical points. Monte Carlo simulations support this monopole-induced rounding.