A New Finite-Size Scaling Approach to Random Walks

Abstract

We present a new finite-size scaling method for the random walks (RW) superseeding a previously widely used renormalization group approach, which is shown here to be inconsistent. The method is valid in any dimension and is based on the exact solution for the two-point correlation function and on finite size scaling. As an application, the phase diagram is derived for random walks with a surface-bulk interaction where the system has either a surface or a defect. Possible extensions to disordered systems are also discussed.