Monte-Carlo simulation of nucleation in the two-dimensional Potts model

Abstract

Nucleation in the two-dimensional q-state Potts model has been studied by means of Monte-Carlo simulations using the heat-bath dynamics. The initial metastable state has been prepared by magnetic quench of the ordered low-temperature phase. The magnetic field dependence of the nucleation time has been measured as the function of the magnetic field for different q and lattice sizes at T=0.5 Tc. A size-dependent crossover from the coalescence to nucleation region is observed at all q. The magnetic field dependence of the nucleation time is roughly described by the classical nucleation theory. Our data show increase of the anisotropy in the shape of the critical droplets with increase of q.