First-order transitions in fluctuating 1+1-dimensional nonequilibrium systems

Abstract

We demonstrate that first-order phase transitions in 1+1-dimensional nonequilibrium systems with fluctuating ordered phases are impossible, provided that there are no additional conservation laws, long-range interactions, macroscopic currents, or special boundary conditions. Since minority islands in the ordered phase of such systems can only shrink by short-range interactions, it is impossible to stabilize a fluctuating ordered state. The apparent first-order behavior turns out to be a transient phenomenon, crossing over to a continuous transition after very long time. As examples we consider the triplet creation model 3X->4X, X->O, the annihilation/fission process 2X->3X, 2X->O, as well as spreading on a diffusing background X+Y->2Y, Y->X.