Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: The dynamics of weak vs strong first order phase transitions is investigated numerically for (2 + 1)-dimensional scalar field models. It is argued that the change from a weak to a strong transition is itself a (second order) phase transition, with the order parameter being the equilibrium fractional population difference between the two phases at the critical temperature, and the control parameter being the coefficient of the cubic coupling in the free-energy density. The critical point is identified, and a power law controlling the relaxation dynamics at this point is obtained. Possible applications are briefly discussed.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Author: Marcelo Gleiser
Institution: Dartmouth College
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2086904702