Finite Size XXZ Spin Chain with Anisotropy Parameter $\Delta = {1/2}$
  We find an analytic solution of the Bethe Ansatz equations (BAE) for the special case of a finite XXZ spin chain with free boundary conditions and with a complex surface field which provides for $U_q(sl(2))$ symmetry of the Hamiltonian. More precisely, we find one nontrivial solution, corresponding to the ground state of the system with anisotropy parameter $\Delta = {1/2}$ corresponding to $q^3 = -1$. With a view to establishing an exact representation of the ground state of the finite size XXZ spin chain in terms of elementary functions, we concentrate on the crossing-parameter $\eta$ dependence around $\eta=\pi/3$ for which there is a known solution. The approach taken involves the use of a physical solution $Q$ of Baxter's t-Q equation, corresponding to the ground state, as well as a non-physical solution $P$ of the same equation. The calculation of $P$ and then of the ground state derivative is covered. Possible applications of this derivative to the theory of percolation have yet to be investigated. As far as the finite XXZ spin chain with periodic boundary conditions is concerned, we find a similar solution for an assymetric case which corresponds to the 6-vertex model with a special magnetic field. For this case we find the analytic value of the ``magnetic moment'' of the system in the corresponding state. 
V. Fridkin, Yu. Stroganov and D. Zagier