Directed Models of Polymers, Interfaces, and Clusters: Scaling and Finite-Size Properties
Subtitle: Scaling and Finite-size Properties
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG; Springer
Published: December 31, 1989
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 120
ISBN-13: 9783540514299
Subjects: Statistical physics
Description: This monograph gives a detailed introductory exposition of research results for various models, mostly two-dimensional, of directed walks, interfaces, wetting, surface adsorption (of polymers), stacks, compact clusters (lattice animals), etc. The unifying feature of these models is that in most cases they can be solved analytically. The methods used include transfer matrices, generating functions, recurrence relations, and difference equations, and in some cases involve utilization of less familiar mathematical techniques such as continued fractions and q-series. The authors emphasize an overall view of what can be learned generally of the statistical mechanics of anisotropic systems, including phenomena near surfaces, by studying the solvable models. Thus, the concept of scaling and, where known, finite-size scaling properties are elucidated. Scaling and statistical mechanics of anisoptropic systems in general are active research topics. The volume provides a comprehensive survey of exact model results in this field.