Action at the distance

TL;DR

This paper introduces a classical system with giant proximity effects similar to superfluid helium, explained through mesoscopic phase coexistence, supported by Monte Carlo simulations, and applicable to various fluids and ferromagnets.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for action-at-a-distance phenomena in classical systems, confirmed by simulations, expanding understanding of proximity effects beyond quantum systems.

Findings

Giant proximity effects observed in classical fluids and ferromagnets

Theoretical explanation based on mesoscopic phase coexistence

Monte Carlo simulations confirm the theory

Abstract

We present a system exhibiting giant proximity effects which parallel observations in superfluid helium (Perron et al, Nature Physics V. 6, 499 (2010)) and give a theoretical explanation of these phenomena based on the mesoscopic picture of phase coexistence in finite systems. Our theory is confirmed by MC simulation studies. Our work demonstrates that such action-at-a-distance can occur in classical systems involving simple or complex fluids, such as colloid-polymer mixtures, or ferromagnets.