Finite-size scaling of the Glauber model of critical dynamics

Abstract

We obtain the exact critical relaxation time ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{L}}$(\ensuremath{\xi}), where \ensuremath{\xi} is the bulk correlation length, for the Glauber kinetic Ising model of spins on a one-dimensional lattice of finite length L for both periodic and free boundary conditions (BC's). We show that, independent of the BC's, the dynamic critical exponent has the well-known value z=2, and we comment on a recent claim that z=1 for this model. The ratio ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{L}}$(\ensuremath{\xi})/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\infty}}}$(\ensuremath{\xi}), in the double limit L,\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty} for fixed x=L/\ensuremath{\xi}, approaches a limiting functional form, ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$(L/\ensuremath{\xi}), the finite-size scaling function. For free BC's we derive the exact scaling function ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$(x)=[1+(\ensuremath{\omega}(x)/x${)}^{2}$${]}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, where \ensuremath{\omega}(x) is the smallest root of the transcendental equation \ensuremath{\omega}tan(\ensuremath{\omega}/2)=x. We provide expansions of \ensuremath{\omega}(x) in powers of x and ${\mathit{x}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for the regimes of small and large x, respectively, and establish their radii of convergence. The scaling function shows anomalous behavior at small x, ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$(x)\ensuremath{\approxeq}x, instead of the usual ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$(x)\ensuremath{\approxeq}${\mathit{x}}^{\mathit{z}}$, as x\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0. This is because, even for finite L, the lifetime of the slowest dynamical mode diverges for T\ensuremath{\rightarrow} 0 K. For periodic BC's, with the exception of one system, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{L}}$ is independent of L, and hence ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$=1. The exceptional system, that with an odd number of spins and antiferromagnetic couplings, exhibits frustration at T=0 K, and the scaling function is given by ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}$(x)=[1+(\ensuremath{\pi}/x${)}^{2}$${]}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.