First order phase transition in a 1+1-dimensional nonequilibrium wetting process

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 1+1-dimensional nonequilibrium wetting model demonstrating a first order phase transition with stable coexisting wet and non-wet states, contrasting equilibrium behavior.

Contribution

It presents a novel nonequilibrium wetting model showing coexistence of stable phases away from the transition line, unlike equilibrium systems.

Findings

Wetting transition can be first or second order depending on parameters.

Coexistence of wet and non-wet states is thermodynamically stable.

Contrasts with equilibrium transitions where coexistence occurs only on the transition line.

Abstract

A model for nonequilibrium wetting in 1+1 dimensions is introduced. It comprises adsorption and desorption processes with a dynamics which generically does not obey detailed balance. Depending on the rates of the dynamical processes the wetting transition is either of first or second order. It is found that the wet (unbound) and the non-wet (pinned) states coexist and are both thermodynamically stable in a domain of the dynamical parameters which define the model. This is in contrast with equilibrium transitions where coexistence of thermodynamically stable states takes place only on the transition line.