Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Phase transitions in random systems are smeared if individual spatial regions can order independently of the bulk system. In this paper, we study such smeared phase transitions (both classical and quantum) in substitutional alloys ${\mathrm{A}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$B${}_{x}$ that can be tuned from an ordered phase at composition $x=0$ to a disordered phase at $x=1$. We show that the ordered phase develops a pronounced tail that extends over all compositions $x<1$. Using optimal fluctuation theory, we derive the composition dependence of the order parameter and other quantities in the tail of the smeared phase transition. We also compare our results to computer simulations of a toy model, and we discuss experiments.
Source: Physical Review B
Authors: Fawaz Hrahsheh, David Nozadze, Thomas Vojta
Institution: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W1987850460