First order phase transitions of spin systems

TL;DR

This paper reviews numerical methods to analyze first order phase transitions in spin systems, focusing on parameters like energy, specific heat, and interface tension, with examples from the 2D q-states Potts model.

Contribution

It introduces and discusses numerical techniques for determining key parameters near first order phase transitions in spin systems, exemplified by the 2D Potts model.

Findings

Numerical methods effectively estimate energy and specific heat near transition points.

Interface tension can be accurately determined using the discussed techniques.

Application to the 2D q-states Potts model demonstrates the methods' utility.

Abstract

I review some numerical ways to determine the parameters of systems close to a first order phase transition point: energy and specific heat of the coexisting phases and interface tension. Numerical examples are given for the 2-d $q$ states Potts model.