Abstract
Rapid temperature quenches have long been known to produce metastable thermodynamic phases. We analyze a Landau-Ginzburg model of front propagation and show that metastable phases can arise via a transition that splits the front separating the disordered from the stable phase into one front between the disordered and the metastable phases and another between the metastable and the stable phases. For systems described by a single nonconserved order parameter, the splitting transition is continuous with no hysteresis as the control parameter is varied. For two order parameters, the transition can be continuous, hysteretic, or require a finite-amplitude perturbation. We also discuss briefly applications to pattern-forming systems, where the pattern formed behind a propagating front may change discontinuously as the front velocity is increased.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Physical review. A, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
