Singular scaling functions in clustering phenomena

Abstract

We study clustering in a stochastic system of particles sliding down a fluctuating surface in one and two dimensions. In steady state, the density-density correlation function is a scaling function of separation and system size. This scaling function is singular for small argument — it exhibits a cusp singularity for particles with mutual exclusion, and a divergence for noninteracting particles. The steady state is characterized by giant fluctuations which do not damp down in the thermodynamic limit. The autocorrelation function is a singular scaling function of time and system size. The scaling properties are surprisingly similar to those for particles moving in a quenched disordered environment that results if the surface is frozen.