Metastability in the two-dimensional ising model

Metastability in the Ising model is studied in two ways. In a dynamical Monte Carlo model, metastable magnetization and lifetime are measured for various magnetic fields and low temperatures. Following up a proposed relation between analytic continuation of transfer matrix eigenvalues and metastability, transfer matrix eigenvalues are studied. We examine the extent to which these approaches agree. The Monte Carlo data also provide quantitative support for the critical droplet model for decay.