arXiv:0806.3493 · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical
Slowest relaxation mode of the partially asymmetric exclusion process with open boundaries
Jan de Gier, Fabian H L Essler
Abstract
We analyse the Bethe ansatz equations describing the complete spectrum of the transition matrix of the partially asymmetric exclusion process on a finite lattice and with the most general open boundary conditions. We extend results obtained recently for totally asymmetric diffusion (de Gier J and Essler F H L 2006 J. Stat. Mech. P12011) to the case of partial asymmetry. We determine the finite-size scaling of the spectral gap, which characterizes the approach to stationarity at late times, in the low- and high-density regimes and on the coexistence line. We observe boundary-induced crossovers and discuss possible interpretations of our results in terms of effective domain wall theories.