Rotationally symmetric ordered phase in the three-state antiferromagnetic Potts model.

We investigate the three-state antiferromagnetic Potts model on a simple cubic lattice with a cluster flipping Monte Carlo simulation algorithm in the temperature region below the transition into disorder at Tc1. We find both the well established broken-sublattice-symmetry (BSS) phase at low temperature and a new, rotationally symmetric phase at higher temperature, but below Tc1. The properties of the second phase and the transition temperature to the BSS phase are in disagreement with recent cluster-variation and Monte Carlo simulation results, but in agreement with simulations by Kolesik and Suzuki. 05.50.+q, 75.10.Hk Typeset using REVTEX