Physics – Condensed Matter – Statistical Mechanics
Scientific paper
2006-08-16
Physics
Condensed Matter
Statistical Mechanics
11 pages, no figure
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevE.74.051121
We analyze a simple spin-flip process under the presence of two heat reservoirs. While one flip process is triggered by a bath at temperature $T$, the inverse process is activated by a bath at a different temperature $T ^{\prime}$. The situation can be described by using a master equation approach in a second quantized Hamiltonian formulation. The stationary solution leads to a generalized Fermi-Dirac distribution with an effective temperature $T_e$. Likewise the relaxation time is given in terms of $T_e$. Introducing a spin-representation we perform a Landau expansion for the averaged spin $<\sigma>$ as order parameter and consequently, a free energy functional can be derived. Owing to the two reservoirs the model is invariant with respect to a simultaneous change $\sigma \leftrightarrow - \sigma $ and $ T \leftrightarrow T ^{\prime}$. This new symmetry generates a third order term in the free energy which gives rise a dynamically induced first order transition.
No associations
LandOfFree
Master Equation and Two Heat Reservoirs does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Master Equation and Two Heat Reservoirs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Master Equation and Two Heat Reservoirs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-219838