Phase Transitions

Cambridge University Press eBooks, pp. 80–94

Abstract

This chapter focuses on phase transitions, either with or without a change in symmetry. The generic Ginzburg–Landau description of phase transitions in terms of an emergent energy functional for the order parameter is introduced, and the role of spatial variations and spatial fluctuations is highlighted. The universality of this description and its applicability across domains of physics is emphasised.

Authors 3

1. Aron J. Beekman
   Affiliation as printed

   Sioux Technologies

2. Louk Rademaker Aachen

   Leiden University · University of Geneva

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Geneva and Leiden University

3. Jasper van Wezel

   University of Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Amsterdam