We use numerical transfer-matrix methods, together with finite-size scaling and conformal invariance concepts, to discuss critical properties of two-dimensional honeycomb-lattice Ising spin-1/2 magnets, with couplings which are antiferromagnetic alon
g at least one lattice axis, in a uniform external field. We focus mainly on the shape of the phase diagram in field-temperature parameter space; in order to do so, both the order and universality class of the underlying phase transition are examined. Our results indicate that, in one particular case studied, the critical line has a horizontal section (i.e. at constant field) of finite length, starting at the zero-temperature end of the phase boundary. Other than that, we find no evidence of unusual behavior, at variance with the reentrant features predicted in earlier studies.
Properties of the one-dimensional totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP), and their connection with the dynamical scaling of moving interfaces described by a Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation are investigated. With periodic boundary con
ditions, scaling of interface widths (the latter defined via a discrete occupation-number-to-height mapping), gives the exponents $alpha=0.500(5)$, $z=1.52(3)$, $beta=0.33(1)$. With open boundaries, results are as follows: (i) in the maximal-current phase, the exponents are the same as for the periodic case, and in agreement with recent Bethe ansatz results; (ii) in the low-density phase, curve collapse can be found to a rather good extent, with $alpha=0.497(3)$, $z=1.20(5)$, $beta=0.41(2)$, which is apparently at variance with the Bethe ansatz prediction $z=0$; (iii) on the coexistence line between low- and high- density phases, $alpha=0.99(1)$, $z=2.10(5)$, $beta=0.47(2)$, in relatively good agreement with the Bethe ansatz prediction $z=2$. From a mean-field continuum formulation, a characteristic relaxation time, related to kinematic-wave propagation and having an effective exponent $z^prime=1$, is shown to be the limiting slow process for the low density phase, which accounts for the above-mentioned discrepancy with Bethe ansatz results. For TASEP with quenched bond disorder, interface width scaling gives $alpha=1.05(5)$, $z=1.7(1)$, $beta=0.62(7)$. From a direct analytic approach to steady-state properties of TASEP with quenched disorder, closed-form expressions for the piecewise shape of averaged density profiles are given, as well as rather restrictive bounds on currents. All these are substantiated in numerical simulations.
We discuss the application of wavelet transforms to a critical interface model, which is known to provide a good description of Barkhausen noise in soft ferromagnets. The two-dimensional version of the model (one-dimensional interface) is considered,
mainly in the adiabatic limit of very slow driving. On length scales shorter than a crossover length (which grows with the strength of surface tension), the effective interface roughness exponent $zeta$ is $simeq 1.20$, close to the expected value for the universality class of the quenched Edwards-Wilkinson model. We find that the waiting times between avalanches are fully uncorrelated, as the wavelet transform of their autocorrelations scales as white noise. Similarly, detrended size-size correlations give a white-noise wavelet transform. Consideration of finite driving rates, still deep within the intermittent regime, shows the wavelet transform of correlations scaling as $1/f^{1.5}$ for intermediate frequencies. This behavior is ascribed to intra-avalanche correlations.
