Long-range correlations in a locally constrained exclusion process

Abstract

We introduce a novel exclusion process with a simple local kinetic constraint that leads to a remarkable transition between a homogeneous phase with short-range correlations and a clustered phase with long-range correlations and spontaneous breaking of translation invariance. The metastable dynamics of particle clusters lead to a coarsening cascade and glassy dynamics, as well as an intriguing faster-is-slower effect where an increasing asymmetry in the flow direction leads to a decrease of the stationary current.