On Phase Ordering Behind the Propagating Front of a Second-Order Transition

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the speed of a propagating temperature front influences the formation of topological defects during a second-order phase transition, revealing two distinct regimes based on front velocity and cooling rate.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of defect nucleation behind a propagating transition front, highlighting the impact of front velocity on defect formation regimes.

Findings

Fast front propagation leads to defect formation following the Zurek scenario.

Slow front propagation suppresses vortex formation.

Two regimes of defect nucleation are identified based on front velocity.

Abstract

In a real system the heating is nonuniform and a second-order phase transition into a broken symmetry phase occurs by propagation of the temperature front. Two parameters, the cooling rate $\tau_Q$ and the velocity $v_T$ of the transition front, determine the nucleation of topological defects. Depending on the relation of these parameters two regimes are found: in the regime of fast propagation defects are created according to the Zurek scenario for the homogeneous case, while in the slow propagation regime vortex formation is suppressed.