Finite-size scaling for discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions

TL;DR

This paper extends finite size scaling theory to various discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions, deriving universal expressions for key quantities that depend on system volume, aiding the unification of transition process descriptions.

Contribution

The authors generalize finite size scaling to discontinuous nonequilibrium transitions, providing a unified framework for analyzing different models regardless of system specifics.

Findings

Quantities like response functions and cumulants scale with volume.

Derived universal expressions from phenomenological arguments.

Validated approach across multiple models.

Abstract

A finite size scaling theory, originally developed only for transitions to absorbing states [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 92}, 062126 (2015)], is extended to distinct sorts of discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions. Expressions for quantities such as, response functions, reduced cumulants and equal area probability distributions, are derived from phenomenological arguments. Irrespective of system details, all these quantities scale with the volume, establishing the dependence on size. The approach generality is illustrated through the analysis of different models. The present results are a relevant step in trying to unify the scaling behavior description of nonequilibrium transition processes.