Spontaneous second order phase transition. Amorphous branch

TL;DR

This paper proposes a modified second order phase transition theory that inherently satisfies the Nernst theorem, incorporates amorphous metastable states, and analyzes fluctuation growth near critical points.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical framework for second order phase transitions that naturally respects thermodynamic principles and accounts for amorphous and metastable states.

Findings

Reproduces Landau theory solutions

Predicts stable ordered and disordered states

Analyzes fluctuation growth near critical points

Abstract

A version of the second order phase transition theory, in which the Nernst theorem holds automatically, is proposed. The theory is constructed in terms of the order parameter and the (configurational) entropy. It faithfully reproduces the solutions of Landau theory as well as stable existence of ordered and disordered states and takes into account the existence of amorphous metastable states. Finally, phenomenon of growth of fluctuations magnitude due to random first order transitions between stable and metastable states as their energies approach each other at a critical point is analyzed.