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 A 1-xB 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.
Recommended Citation
F. Hrahsheh et al., "Composition-Tuned Smeared Phase Transitions," Physical review B: Condensed matter and materials physics, vol. 83, no. 22, pp. 224402-1 - 224402-6, American Physical Society (APS), Jun 2011.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.224402
Department(s)
Physics
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1098-0121
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2011 American Physical Society (APS), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jun 2011
