Experiments on the random field Ising model

Abstract

New advances in experiments on the random-field Ising model, as realized in dilute antiferromagnets, have brought us much closer to a full characterization of the static and dynamic critical behavior of the unusual phase transition in three dimensions (d=3). The most important experiments that have laid the ground work for our present understanding are reviewed. Comparisons of the data with Monte Carlo simulations of the d=3 critical behavior are made. We review the current experimental understanding of the destroyed d=2 transition and the experiments exploring the d=2 metastability at low T. Connections to theories most relevant to the interpretations of all the experiments are discussed.