Julia Yeomans OBE FRS

Abstract:

The authors use a finite-size scaling calculation to study the phase diagram of the two-dimensional, three-state, chiral clock model. Bulk properties, the ferromagnetic transition temperature and associated exponents are calculated from the scaling of the susceptibility and interface behaviour, the position of the interface wetting line and its exponents, from considering the net adsorption. They also present preliminary results on interface properties which are sensitive to the transition between the paramagnetic and incommensurate phases.

Abstract:

Domain-wall arguments are used to study the stability of long-period commensurate phases in the presence of quenched impurities. It is found that in three dimensions phases with periodicity larger than a critical value lc - 1/c, where c is the impurity concentration, are unstable. This results in disordered 'spin-glass'-like phases. The effect can be studied experimentally by varying the impurity concentration in modulated systems. © 1985, IOP Publishing Ltd.