Equilibrium Phase Transitions in Coupled Map Lattices: A Pedestrian Approach

A class of piecewise linear coupled map lattices with simple symbolic dynamics is constructed. It can be solved analytically in terms of the statistical mechanics of spin lattices. The corresponding Hamiltonian is written down explicitly in terms of the parameters of the map. The approach follows the line of recent mathematical investigations. But the presentation is kept elementary so that phase transitions in the dynamical model can be studied in detail. Although the method works only for map lattices with repelling invariant sets some of the conclusions, i.e., the role of local curvature of the single site map and properties of the nearest neighbour coupling might play an important role for phase transitions in general dynamical systems.     

Non-Equilibrium Behaviour in Unidirectionally Coupled Map Lattices

A spatially one dimensional coupled map lattice with a local and unidirectional coupling is introduced. This model is studied analytically by a perturbation theory that is valid for small coupling strength. In parameter space three phases with different ergodic behaviour are observed. Via coarse graining the deterministic model is mapped to a stochastic spin model that can be described by a master equation. Because of the anisotropic coupling non-equilibrium behaviour is found on the coarse grained level. However, the stationary statistical properties of the spin dynamics can still be described with a nearest neighbour Ising model whereby the ordering is predominantly antiferromagnetic.     

Symbolic Dynamics of the Piecewise Linear Standard Map

The symbolic dynamics of the sawtooth map is extended to the dissipative piecewise linear standard map. The ordering rules of foliations are derived, and the admissibility condition for allowed symbolic sequences is obtained. A symbolic analysis is given for invariant circles of the piecewise linear standard map without dissipation.     

Analytical Expressions for Ising Models on High Dimensional Lattices

We use an m-vicinity method to examine Ising models on hypercube lattices of high dimensions d≥3. This method is applicable for both short-range and long-range interactions. We introduce a small parameter, which determines whether the method can be used when calculating the free energy. When we account for interaction with the nearest neighbors only, the value of this parameter depends on the dimension of the lattice d. We obtain an expression for the critical temperature in terms of the interaction constants that is in a good agreement with the results of computer simulations. For d=5,6,7, our theoretical estimates match the numerical results both qualitatively and quantitatively. For d=3,4, our method is sufficiently accurate for the calculation of the critical temperatures; however, it predicts a finite jump of the heat capacity at the critical point. In the case of the three-dimensional lattice (d=3), this contradicts the commonly accepted ideas of the type of the singularity at the critical point. For the four-dimensional lattice (d=4), the character of the singularity is under current discussion. For the dimensions d=1, 2 the m-vicinity method is not applicable.     

Uniqueness of the SRB Measure for Piecewise Expanding Weakly Coupled Map Lattices in Any Dimension

We prove the existence of a unique SRB measure for a wide range of multidimensional weakly coupled map lattices. These include piecewise expanding maps with diffusive coupling. The essential part of this research was done during an ESF explorative workshop at the Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics, Bonn. We thank both institutions for their support.     

Alternative Variational Approach to Cactus Lattices

In this paper, I will present an alternative approach to the Bethe or cactus lattice approximation, widely employed in the theory of cooperative phenomena. This approach relies on a variational free energy, which is equivalent to the Bethe free energy in that it has the same stationary points, but allows one to simplify analytical calculations, since it is a function of only single-site probability distributions, in the same way as an ordinary mean-field (Bragg-Williams) free energy. As an application, I shall discuss a derivation of closed-form equations for critical points in Ising-like models. Moreover, I will suggest a rule of thumb to choose the cactus lattice connectivity yielding the best approximation for the corresponding model defined on an ordinary lattice. PACS Numbers: 05.20.-y, 05.50.+q, 05.70.Fh, 64.60.-i, 64.60.Cn     

Ising model for the alloys according to the effective field theory

FeAl alloys in their disordered structural phase have been investigated through an Ising model where besides exchange interactions between nearest-neighbors Fe atoms, a superexchange interaction mediated by Al atoms is also taken into account. The model has been approximately treated according to the effective field theory. Although the phase diagram, as a function of Al concentration, is similar to the one previously obtained from Bogoliubov variational approach for the free energy, a different behavior for the superexchange interaction is achieved, which can also be physically accepted for this system.     

Peer-to-peer and mass communication effect on opinion shifts

Opinion dynamics is studied through a minimal Ising model with three main influences (fields): personal conservatism (power-law distributed), inter-personal and group pressure, and a global field incorporating peer-to-peer and mass communications, which is generated bottom-up from the faction supporting the new opinion. A rich phase diagram appears separating possible terminal stages of the opinion diffusion, characterizing failure phases by the features of the individuals who had changed their opinion. An exhaustive solution of the model is produced, allowing predictions to be made on the opinion’s assimilation in the society.     

Critical Behavior of Spatial Evolutionary Game with Altruistic to Spiteful Preferences on Two-Dimensional Lattices

Self-questioning mechanism which is similar to single spin-flip of Ising model in statistical physics is introduced into spatial evolutionary game model. We propose a game model with altruistic to spiteful preferences via weighted sums of own and opponent's payoffs. This game model can be transformed into Ising model with an external field. Both interaction between spins and the external field are determined by the elements of payoff matrix and the preference parameter. In the case of perfect rationality at zero social temperature, this game model has three different phases which are entirely cooperative phase, entirely non-cooperative phase and mixed phase. In the investigations of the game model with Monte Carlo simulation, two paths of payoff and preference parameters are taken. In one path, the system undergoes a discontinuous transition from cooperative phase to non-cooperative phase with the change of preference parameter. In another path, two continuous transitions appear one after another when system changes from cooperative phase to non-cooperative phase with the prefenrence parameter. The critical exponents ν, β, and γ of two continuous phase transitions are estimated by the finite-size scaling analysis. Both continuous phase transitions have the same critical exponents and they belong to the same universality class as the two-dimensional Ising model.     

Phase transitions in phosphatidylcholine foam bilayers

Foam bilayers from individual and mixed phosphatidylcholines are experimentally studied at different temperatures. Occurrence of a chain-melting phase transition in the foam bilayers is detected by two independent parameters—the critical concentrationC _c for formation of foam bilayer and the foam bilayer thickness. The data forC _c are discussed on the basis of the hole-nucleation theory, which applies the Ising model to foam bilayers and uses the mean-field approximation for interpretation of their stability. This allows the determination of the binding energy of a phospholipid molecule in gel and liquid-crystalline foam bilayers. New possibilities to relate the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of foam bilayers are demonstrated.     

Wang-Landau study of the critical behavior of the bimodal 3D random field Ising model

We apply the Wang-Landau method to the study of the critical behavior of the three-dimensional random field Ising model with a bimodal probability distribution. For high values of the random field intensity we find that the energy probability distribution at the transition temperature is double peaked, suggesting that the phase transition is of first order. On the other hand, the transition looks continuous for low values of the field intensity. In spite of the large sample to sample fluctuations observed, the double peak in the probability distribution is always present for high fields.     

Transition probabilities and stochastic equations for the mean field ising model

The microscopic transition rate is briefly calculated from quantum principles to derive the microscopic master equation. By introducing _p, the phenomenological time, and coarse graining W_p, the transition rate, a complete normalized phenomenological transition rate is obtained. The Langer form is then approximately obtained.Supported in part by the Robert A. Welch Foundation.On leave of absence from the Institute of Theoretical Physics, Academia Sinica, Beijing, China.     

Absence of first-order phase transitions for antiferromagnetic systems

We consider a spin system with nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic pair interactions in a two-dimensional lattice. We prove that the free energy of this system is differentiable with respect to the uniform external fieldh, for all temperatures and allh. This implies the absence of a first-order phase transition in this system.     

The Phase Transition of the Quantum Ising Model is Sharp

An analysis is presented of the phase transition of the quantum Ising model with transverse field on the d-dimensional hypercubic lattice. It is shown that there is a unique sharp transition. The value of the critical point is calculated rigorously in one dimension. The first step is to express the quantum Ising model in terms of a (continuous) classical Ising model in d+1 dimensions. A so-called ‘random-parity’ representation is developed for the latter model, similar to the random-current representation for the classical Ising model on a discrete lattice. Certain differential inequalities are proved. Integration of these inequalities yields the sharpness of the phase transition, and also a number of other facts concerning the critical and near-critical behaviour of the model under study.     

Simulations of the flipping images and microparameters of molecular orientations in liquids according to molecule string model

The relaxation dynamics of liquids is one of the fundamental problems in liquid physics, and it is also one of the key issues to understand the glass transition mechanism. It will undoubtedly give enlightenments on understanding and calculating the relaxation dynamics if the molecular orientation flipping images and relevant microparameters of liquids are studied. In this paper, we first give five microparameters to describe the individual molecular string (MS) relaxation based on the dynamical Hamiltonian of the MS model, and then simulate the images of individual MS ensemble, at the same time calculate the parameters of the equilibrium state. The results show that the main molecular orientation flipping image in liquids (including supercooled liquid) is similar to the random walk. In addition, two pairs of the parameters are equal, and one can be ignored compared with the other. This conclusion will effectively reduce the difficulties in calculating the individual MS relaxation based on the single-molecule orientation flipping rate of general Glauber type, and the computer simulation time of interaction MS relaxation. Moreover, the conclusion has no doubt of the reference significance for solving and simulating the multi-state MS model.     

Simulations of the flipping images and microparameters of molecular orientations in liquids according to the molecule string model

The relaxation dynamics of liquids is one of the fundamental problems in liquid physics,and it is also one of the key issues to understand the glass transition mechanism.It will undoubtedly provide enlightenment on understanding and calculating the relaxation dynamics if the molecular orientation flipping images and relevant microparameters of liquids are studied.In this paper,we first give five microparameters to describe the individual molecular string(MS) relaxation based on the dynamical Hamiltonian of the MS model,and then simulate the images of individual MS ensemble,and at the same time calculate the parameters of the equilibrium state.The results show that the main molecular orientation flipping image in liquids(including supercooled liquid) is similar to the random walk.In addition,two pairs of the parameters are equal,and one can be ignored compared with the other.This conclusion will effectively reduce the difficulties in calculating the individual MS relaxation based on the single-molecule orientation flipping rate of the general Glauber type,and the computer simulation time of interaction MS relaxation.Moreover,the conclusion is of reference significance for solving and simulating the multi-state MS model.     

Evidence for spinodal singularities in high-dimensional nearest-neighbor ising models

Conventional theories of nucleation predict that the metastable state has an average lifetime which monotonically decreases as the system is quenched further from the condensation point. However, theories based on the coarsegrained Ginzburg-Landau free energy functional seem to indicate that for systems above six dimensions there is a sharp spinodal dividing the metastable and unstable regimes where the lifetime of the metastable state diverges. Monte Carlo simulations are used to investigate this discrepency. Both nucleation rates and bulk susceptibility measurements seem to support the prediction of the Ginzburg-Landau theories.     

Monte Carlo investigation of the correlation between magnetic and chemical ordering in NiFe alloys

The Ni_xFe_1−x alloys close to the stoichiometric Ni₃Fe composition are modeled by means of Monte Carlo simulations. To describe the atomic and magnetic configurations, the Ising and Heisenberg models with nearest-neighbor interactions have been used, respectively. The pairwise interactions have been fitted to the experimentally measured Curie and Kurnakov temperatures, the Fe-Fe magnetic exchange interaction has been considered antiferromagnetic. The mutual influence of the magnetic and chemical ordering is evidenced and a good agreement with the phase diagram is obtained. Our numerical results show that the magnetic order is able to increase the Kurnakov temperature and, reciprocally, the chemical order is responsible for a rise in the Curie temperature. Also, the influence of the applied magnetic field on the chemical order is investigated and an increase of the Kurnakov temperature with the external field is observed.     

Ising Quantum Chain and Sequence Evolution

A sequence space model which describes the interplay of mutation and selection in molecular evolution is shown to be equivalent to an Ising quantum chain. Observable quantities tailored to match the biological situation are then employed to treat three fitness landscapes exactly.