arXiv subjects

N. G. Fytas

Publications and source records attributed to N. G. Fytas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Fate of the Ising universality class under nonreciprocal interactions

We study the critical behavior of a two-dimensional Ising model with nonreciprocal vision-cone interactions, which explicitly violate reciprocity and detailed balance. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations and dynamic renormalization-group analysis show that the asymptotic critical exponents remain fully consistent with the equilibrium Ising universality class over a broad range of nonreciprocal coupling strengths $\lambda$. In contrast, dimensionless quantities such as the Binder cumulant and the correlation-length ratio display pronounced anisotropic nonequilibrium corrections and systematically deviate from their equilibrium Ising values. The renormalization-group flow further demonstrates that the nonreciprocal perturbation is irrelevant at the Wilson-Fisher fixed point while generating a finite shift of the critical temperature proportional to $\lambda^2$. Our results demonstrate the remarkable robustness of two-dimensional Ising criticality against this class of directional interactions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Universal energy and magnetisation distributions in the Blume-Capel and Baxter-Wu models

We analyse the probability distribution functions of the energy and magnetisation of the two-dimensional Blume-Capel and Baxter-Wu models with spin values $S \in \{1/2,1, 3/2\}$ in the presence of a crystal field $Δ$. By employing extensive single-spin flip Monte Carlo simulations and a recently developed method of studying the zeros of the energy probability distribution we are able to probe, with a good numerical accuracy, several critical characteristics of the transitions. Additionally, the universal aspects of these transitions are scrutinised by computing the corresponding probability distribution functions. The energy distribution has been underutilised in the literature when compared to that of the magnetisation. Somewhat surprisingly, however, the former appears to be more robust in characterising the universality class for both models upon varying the crystal field $Δ$ than the latter. Finally, our analysis suggests that in contrast to the Blume-Capel ferromagnet, the Baxter-Wu model appears to suffer from strong finite-size effects, especially upon increasing $Δ$ and $S$, that obscure the application of traditional finite-size scaling approaches.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2023

Two-dimensional dilute Baxter-Wu model: Transition order and universality

We investigate the critical behavior of the two-dimensional spin-$1$ Baxter-Wu model in the presence of a crystal-field coupling $Δ$ with the goal of determining the universality class of transitions along the second-order part of the transition line as one approaches the putative location of the multicritical point. We employ extensive Monte Carlo simulations using two different methodologies: (i) a study of the zeros of the energy probability distribution, closely related to the Fisher zeros of the partition function, and (ii) the well-established multicanonical approach employed to study the probability distribution of the crystal-field energy. A detailed finite-size scaling analysis in the regime of second-order phase transitions in the $(Δ, T)$ phase diagram supports previous claims that the transition belongs to the universality class of the $4$-state Potts model. For positive values of $Δ$, we observe the presence of strong finite-size effects, indicative of crossover effects due to the proximity of the first-order part of the transition line. Finally, we demonstrate how a combination of cluster and heat-bath updates allows one to equilibrate larger systems, and we demonstrate the potential of this approach for resolving the ambiguities observed in the regime of $Δ\gtrsim 0$.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2022

Determination of the recombination coefficient in electrolytic solutions from impedance spectroscopy measurements

The dependence of the actual/effective ionic concentration on the nominal salt concentration is experimentally investigated for aqueous solutions of NaCl and KCl. The actual ionic bulk density is determined by means of the impedance spectroscopy technique using two approaches for the data analysis: A first approach scrutinizing the real part's plateau of the cell's electric impedance spectrum versus the bulk density of dopant when the impedance is written in the series representation. A second one via extraction of the ionic density from simultaneously fitting of the real and imaginary parts of the impedance spectrum by using the Poisson-Nernst-Planck model. The validity of this procedure reposes on the hypothesis that both the diffusion coefficient and the dielectric constant are independent from the salt concentration in the explored range of concentrations. Our experimental results indicate that a first-order reaction describes well the dissociation phenomenon. The dissociation-association ratio of the reaction has been calculated. Deviations from linearity appear at rather low concentrations of the order of mM.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2020

Universality aspects of the 2d random-bond Ising and 3d Blume-Capel models

We report on large-scale Wang-Landau Monte Carlo simulations of the critical behavior of two spin models in two- (2d) and three-dimensions (3d), namely the 2d random-bond Ising model and the pure 3d Blume-Capel model at zero crystal-field coupling. The numerical data we obtain and the relevant finite-size scaling analysis provide clear answers regarding the universality aspects of both models. In particular, for the random-bond case of the 2d Ising model the theoretically predicted strong universality's hypothesis is verified, whereas for the second-order regime of the Blume-Capel model, the expected $d=3$ Ising universality is verified. Our study is facilitated by the combined use of the Wang-Landau algorithm and the critical energy subspace scheme, indicating that the proposed scheme is able to provide accurate results on the critical behavior of complex spin systems.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

Universality from disorder in the random-bond Blume-Capel model

Using high-precision Monte Carlo simulations and finite-size scaling we study the effect of quenched disorder in the exchange couplings on the Blume-Capel model on the square lattice. The first-order transition for large crystal-field coupling is softened to become continuous, with a divergent correlation length. An analysis of the scaling of the correlation length as well as the susceptibility and specific heat reveals that it belongs to the universality class of the Ising model with additional logarithmic corrections observed for the Ising model itself if coupled to weak disorder. While the leading scaling behavior in the disordered system is therefore identical between the second-order and first-order segments of the phase diagram of the pure model, the finite-size scaling in the ex-first-order regime is affected by strong transient effects with a crossover length scale $L^{\ast} \approx 32$ for the chosen parameters.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2016

Scaling and universality in the phase diagram of the 2D Blume-Capel model

We review the pertinent features of the phase diagram of the zero-field Blume-Capel model, focusing on the aspects of transition order, finite-size scaling and universality. In particular, we employ a range of Monte Carlo simulation methods to study the 2D spin-1 Blume-Capel model on the square lattice to investigate the behavior in the vicinity of the first-order and second-order regimes of the ferromagnet-paramagnet phase boundary, respectively. To achieve high-precision results, we utilize a combination of (i) a parallel version of the multicanonical algorithm and (ii) a hybrid updating scheme combining Metropolis and generalized Wolff cluster moves. These techniques are combined to study for the first time the correlation length of the model, using its scaling in the regime of second-order transitions to illustrate universality through the observed identity of the limiting value of $ξ/L$ with the exactly known result for the Ising universality class.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2016

Specific-heat exponent and modified hyperscaling in the 4D random-field Ising model

We report a high-precision numerical estimation of the critical exponent $α$ of the specific heat of the random-field Ising model in four dimensions. Our result $α= 0.12(1)$ indicates a diverging specific-heat behavior and is consistent with the estimation coming from the modified hyperscaling relation using our estimate of $θ$ via the anomalous dimensions $η$ and $\barη$. Our analysis benefited form a high-statistics zero-temperature numerical simulation of the model for two distributions of the random fields, namely a Gaussian and Poissonian distribution, as well as recent advances in finite-size scaling and reweighting methods for disordered systems. An original estimate of the critical slowing down exponent $z$ of the maximum-flow algorithm used is also provided.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2016

Domain magnetization approach to the isothermal critical exponent

We propose a method for calculating the isothermal critical exponent $δ$ in Ising systems undergoing a second-order phase transition. It is based on the calculation of the mean magnetization time series within a small connected domain of a lattice after equilibrium is reached. At the pseudocritical point, the magnetization time series attains intermittent characteristics and the probability density for consecutive values of mean magnetization within a region around zero becomes a power law. Typically the size of this region is of the order of the standard deviation of the magnetization. The emerging power-law exponent is directly related to the isothermal critical exponent $δ$ through a simple analytical expression. We employ this method to calculate with remarkable accuracy the exponent $δ$ for the square-lattice Ising model where traditional approaches, like the constrained effective potential, typically fail to provide accurate results.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

Interfacial adsorption in Potts models on the square lattice

We study the effect of interfacial phenomena in two-dimensional perfect and random (or disordered) $q$-state Potts models with continuous phase transitions, using, mainly, Monte Carlo techniques. In particular, for the total interfacial adsorption, the critical behavior, including corrections to scaling, are analyzed. The role of randomness is scrutinized. Results are discussed applying scaling arguments and invoking findings for bulk critical properties. In all studied cases, i.e., $q = 3$, $4$, and $q = 8$, the spread of the interfacial adsorption profiles is observed to increase linearly with the lattice size at the bulk transition point.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

Random-field Ising model: Insight from zero-temperature simulations

We enlighten some critical aspects of the three-dimensional ($d=3$) random-field Ising model from simulations performed at zero temperature. We consider two different, in terms of the field distribution, versions of model, namely a Gaussian random-field Ising model and an equal-weight trimodal random-field Ising model. By implementing a computational approach that maps the ground-state of the system to the maximum-flow optimization problem of a network, we employ the most up-to-date version of the push-relabel algorithm and simulate large ensembles of disorder realizations of both models for a broad range of random-field values and systems sizes $\mathcal{V}=L\times L\times L$, where $L$ denotes linear lattice size and $L_{\rm max}=156$. Using as finite-size measures the sample-to-sample fluctuations of various quantities of physical and technical origin, and the primitive operations of the push-relabel algorithm, we propose, for both types of distributions, estimates of the critical field $h_{\rm c}$ and the critical exponent $ν$ of the correlation length, the latter clearly suggesting that both models share the same universality class. Additional simulations of the Gaussian random-field Ising model at the best-known value of the critical field provide the magnetic exponent ratio $β/ν$ with high accuracy and clear out the controversial issue of the critical exponent $α$ of the specific heat. Finally, we discuss the infinite-limit size extrapolation of energy- and order-parameter-based noise to signal ratios related to the self-averaging properties of the model, as well as the critical slowing down aspects of the algorithm.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2014

Critical aspects of three-dimensional anisotropic spin-glass models

We study the $\pm J$ three-dimensional Ising model with a longitudinal anisotropic bond randomness on the simple cubic lattice. The random exchange interaction is applied only in the $z$ direction, whereas in the other two directions, $xy$ - planes, we consider ferromagnetic exchange. By implementing an effective parallel tempering scheme, we outline the phase diagram of the model and compare it to the corresponding isotropic one, as well as to a previously studied anisotropic (transverse) case. We present a detailed finite-size scaling analysis of the ferromagnetic - paramagnetic and spin glass - paramagnetic transition lines, and we also discuss the ferromagnetic - spin glass transition regime. We conclude that the present model shares the same universality classes with the isotropic model, but at the symmetric point has a considerably higher transition temperature from the spin-glass state to the paramagnetic phase. Our data for the ferromagnetic - spin glass transition line are supporting a forward behavior in contrast to the reentrant behavior of the isotropic model.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2014

Critical Binder cumulant and universality: Fortuin-Kasteleyn clusters and order-parameter fluctuations

We investigate the dependence of the critical Binder cumulant of the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster on the boundary conditions and aspect ratio of the underlying square Ising lattices. By means of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm, we generate numerical data for large system sizes and we perform a detailed finite-size scaling analysis for several values of the aspect ratio $r$, for both periodic and free boundary conditions. We estimate the universal probability density functions of the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster and we compare it to those of the magnetization at criticality. It is shown that these probability density functions follow similar scaling laws, and it is found that the values of the critical Binder cumulant of the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster are upper bounds to the values of the respective order-parameter's cumulant, with a splitting behavior for large values of the aspect ratio. We also investigate the dependence of the amplitudes of the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster on the aspect ratio and boundary conditions. We find that the associated exponents, describing the aspect ratio dependencies, are different for the magnetization and the largest Fortuin-Kasteleyn cluster, but in each case are independent of boundary conditions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2013

Wetting and interfacial adsorption in the Blume-Capel model on the square lattice

We study the Blume-Capel model on the square lattice. To allow for wetting and interfacial adsorption, the spins on opposite boundaries are fixed in two different states, "+1" and "-1", with reduced couplings at one of the boundaries. Using mainly Monte Carlo techniques, of Metropolis and Wang-Landau type, phase diagrams showing bulk and wetting transitions are determined. The role of the non-boundary state, "0", adsorbed preferably at the interface between "-1" and "+1" rich regions, is elucidated.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2012

Universality aspects of the d=3 random-bond Blume-Capel model

The effects of bond randomness on the universality aspects of the simple cubic lattice ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model are discussed. The system is studied numerically in both its first- and second-order phase transition regimes by a comprehensive finite-size scaling analysis. We find that our data for the second-order phase transition, emerging under random bonds from the second-order regime of the pure model, are compatible with the universality class of the 3d random Ising model. Furthermore, we find evidence that, the second-order transition emerging under bond randomness from the first-order regime of the pure model, belongs to a new and distinctive universality class. The first finding reinforces the scenario of a single universality class for the 3d Ising model with the three well-known types of quenched uncorrelated disorder (bond randomness, site- and bond-dilution). The second, amounts to a strong violation of universality principle of critical phenomena. For this case of the ex-first-order 3d Blume-Capel model, we find sharp differences from the critical behaviors, emerging under randomness, in the cases of the ex-first-order transitions of the corresponding weak and strong first-order transitions in the 3d three-state and four-state Potts models.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2011

Analysis of the static properties of cluster formations in symmetric linear multiblock copolymers

We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the static properties of a single linear multiblock copolymer chain under poor solvent conditions varying the block length $N$, the number of blocks $n$, and the solvent quality by variation of the temperature $T$. We study the most symmetrical case, where the number of blocks of monomers of type A, $n_{A}$, equals that of monomers B, $n_{B}$ ($n_{A}=n_{B}=n/2$), the length of all blocks is the same irrespective of their type, and potential parameters are also chosen symmetrically, as for a standard Lennard-Jones fluid. Under poor solvent conditions the chains collapse and blocks with monomers of the same type form clusters, which are phase separated from the clusters with monomers of the other type. We study the dependence of the size of the formed clusters on $n$, $N$ and $T$. Furthermore, we discuss our results with respect to recent simulation data on the phase behaviour of such macromolecules, providing a complete picture for the cluster formations in single multiblock copolymer chains under poor solvent conditions.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2011

Wang-Landau study of the 3D Ising model with bond disorder

We implement a two-stage approach of the Wang-Landau algorithm to investigate the critical properties of the 3D Ising model with quenched bond randomness. In particular, we consider the case where disorder couples to the nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic interaction, in terms of a bimodal distribution of strong versus weak bonds. Our simulations are carried out for large ensembles of disorder realizations and lattices with linear sizes $L$ in the range $L=8-64$. We apply well-established finite-size scaling techniques and concepts from the scaling theory of disordered systems to describe the nature of the phase transition of the disordered model, departing gradually from the fixed point of the pure system. Our analysis (based on the determination of the critical exponents) shows that the 3D random-bond Ising model belongs to the same universality class with the site- and bond-dilution models, providing a single universality class for the 3D Ising model with these three types of quenched uncorrelated disorder.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2011

Phase behavior of symmetric linear multiblock copolymers

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the phase behavior of a single linear multiblock copolymer with blocks of A- and B-type monomers under poor solvent conditions, varying the block length $N$, number of blocks $n$, and the solvent quality (by variation of the temperature $T$). The fraction $f$ of A-type monomers is kept constant and equal to 0.5, and always the lengths of A and B blocks were equal ($N_{A}=N_{B}=N$), as well as the number of blocks ($n_{A}=n_{B}=n$). We identify the three following regimes where: (i) full microphase separation between blocks of different type occurs (all blocks of A-type monomers form a single cluster, while all blocks of B-type monomers form another), (ii) full microphase separation is observed with a certain probability, and (iii) full microphase separation can not take place. For very high number of blocks $n$ and very high $N$ (not accessible to our simulations) further investigation is needed.

cond-mat.soft↗