What Are Examples of Exotic Order-Disorder Phase Transitions?

In summary, the conversation discusses a search for examples and a variant of Landau's theory for a type of phase transition where a thermodynamic system jumps into a disordered state by reaching the maximum critical value of the order parameter. It is noted that a highly ordered state may be thermodynamically unstable. The difference between this scenario and a standard first-order transition within Landau theory is explained, with the order parameter moving to the right instead of the left. This type of transition is found in substances with an anomalous dependence of the melting point on pressure, such as bismuth, antimony, ice, cast iron, and germanium.
  • #1
reterty
29
2
I am looking for possible examples and a variant of Landau's theory of phase transitions for an exotic order-disorder phase transition, in which a thermodynamic system jumps into a disordered (or less orderly) state by reaching the maximum critical value of the order parameter. That is, in one phase, with a change in temperature or pressure, the order parameter first gradually increases and then sharply vanishes during the transition. I think that a highly ordered state, even in equilibrium systems, may turn out to be thermodynamically unstable.
 
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  • #2
Could you say how your scenario is different from a standard first-order transition within Landau theory? I imagine the minimum of a potential (as a function or order parameter) moving the right or left while a local minimum centered at zero lowers in potential until it eventually becomes the global minimum.
 
  • #3
the minimum of a potential moving the right, whereas in the standart first-order transition within Landau theory it moves left.
 
  • #4
I think, I found this type of transitions. They are realized by increasing the pressure at a fixed temperature for substances with an anomalous dependence of the melting point on pressure (decreasing it with increasing pressure). Such substances include bismuth, antimony, ice, cast iron and germanium. In this case, the order parameter increases to the left of the transition, since the number of point defects of the Schottky and Frenkel type decreases with increasing pressure.
 

1. What is an exotic phase transition?

An exotic phase transition is a type of phase transition that occurs in certain materials at very low temperatures. It involves a change in the arrangement of particles in the material, resulting in unique properties and behaviors.

2. How is an exotic phase transition different from a normal phase transition?

An exotic phase transition is different from a normal phase transition in that it occurs at extremely low temperatures and involves a change in the arrangement of particles that is not typically observed in other materials. It also results in unique properties and behaviors that are not seen in normal phase transitions.

3. What types of materials can exhibit an exotic phase transition?

Exotic phase transitions have been observed in a variety of materials, including superconductors, superfluids, and magnetic materials. These materials typically have unique properties and structures that allow for the occurrence of an exotic phase transition.

4. What are some potential applications of exotic phase transitions?

Due to their unique properties and behaviors, materials that undergo an exotic phase transition have potential applications in various fields, such as electronics, energy storage, and quantum computing. Further research into these materials and their phase transitions could lead to new technologies and advancements.

5. How do scientists study exotic phase transitions?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study exotic phase transitions, including X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering, and magnetic resonance imaging. These methods allow them to observe the changes in particle arrangement and properties that occur during the transition, providing valuable insights into the behavior of these materials at low temperatures.

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