Non-equilibrium transitions and critical points in a two-temperature Ising model

ORAL

Abstract

From complex biological systems to a simple simmering pot, thermodynamic systems held out of equilibrium are exceedingly common in nature. Despite this, a general theory to describe these types of phenomena remains elusive. In this talk, we further explore a simple two-temperature modification of the venerable Ising model in hopes of shedding some light on these issues. Of particular interest is the ``freezing by heating'' transition, and a range of larger system sizes are considered in the hopes of determining the transitions critical temperature and exponents. While this transition initially appeared as second-order, evidence suggesting a possible weak first-order nature obscured by finite size effects will also be explored.

*Supported by the US National Science Foundation through Grants DMR-1205309 and DMR-1244666.

Authors

  • Nick Borchers

    • Virgina Tech
  • R.K.P. Zia

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames and Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
    • Virgina Tech and Iowa State University
  • Michel Pleimling

    • Department of Physics, VA Tech
    • Virginia Tech
    • Virgina Tech