\((Z_ N\times\;)^{n-1}\) generalization of the chiral Potts model (Q1814270)

An attempt is made to construct a new solvable lattice model whose Boltzmann weight obeys high genus algebraic relations. It is shown that the \(R\)-matrix which intertwines two \(n\times N^{n-1}\) state cyclic \(L\)-operators related to a generalization of \(U_ q(sl(n))\) can be considered as a Boltzmann weight of four-spin box for a lattice model with two-spin interaction. The Yang-Baxter equation for the resulting \(R\)-matrix is verified numerically for \(n=3\), \(N=2\) and conjectured to be valid in the general case. The factorization properties of the \(L\)- operator are studied and its relation to the SOS models is discussed.