Dynamical heterogeneities as fingerprints of a backbone structure in Potts models

TL;DR

This paper explores how dynamical heterogeneities in 2D Potts models relate to underlying backbone structures, using large-scale GPU simulations to analyze slow non-equilibrium processes and their connection to ground state topology.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis linking dynamical heterogeneities to backbone structures in Potts models, supported by large-scale GPU simulations.

Findings

Identification of multiple time scales in system dynamics

Evidence of a growing process in glassy phases

Correlation between heterogeneities and backbone structures

Abstract

We investigate slow non-equilibrium dynamical processes in two-dimensional $q$--state Potts model with both ferromagnetic and $\pm J$ couplings. Dynamical properties are characterized by means of the mean-flipping time distribution. This quantity is known for clearly unveiling dynamical heterogeneities. Using a two-times protocol we characterize the different time scales observed and relate them to growth processes occurring in the system. In particular we target the possible relation between the different time scales and the spatial heterogeneities originated in the ground state topology, which are associated to the presence of a backbone structure. We perform numerical simulations using an approach based on graphics processing units (GPUs) which permits to reach large system sizes. We present evidence supporting both the idea of a growing process in the preasymptotic regime of the glassy phases and the existence of a backbone structure behind this processes.