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A Definition of Metastability for Markov Processes with Detailed Balance

Francois Leyvraz·Hernan Larralde·David P. Sanders
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Abstract

A definition of metastable states applicable to arbitrary finite state Markov processes satisfying detailed balance is discussed. In particular, we identify a crucial condition that distinguishes genuine metastable states from other types of slowly decaying modes and which leads to properties similar to those postulated in the restricted ensemble approach \cite{pen71}. The intuitive physical meaning of this condition is simply that the total equilibrium probability of finding the system in the metastable state is negligible. As a concrete application of our formalism we present preliminary results on a 2D kinetic Ising model.

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Francois Leyvraz, Hernan Larralde, David P. Sanders. 2005-09-29. A Definition of Metastability for Markov Processes with Detailed Balance. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb%2Fe2006-00097-9

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