Entropy-driven phase transition in a system of long rods on a square lattice
Abstract
The isotropic-nematic (I-N) phase transition in a system of long straight rigid rods of length k on square lattices is studied by combining Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical analysis. The process is analyzed by comparing the configurational entropy of the system with the corresponding to a fully aligned system, whose calculation reduces to the 1D case. The results obtained (1) allow to estimate the minimum value of k which leads to the formation of a nematic phase and provide an interesting interpretation of this critical value; (2) provide numerical evidence on the existence of a second phase transition (from a nematic to a non-nematic state) occurring at density close to 1 and (3) allow to test the predictions of the main theoretical models developed to treat the polymers adsorption problem.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0712.4361,
title = {Entropy-driven phase transition in a system of long rods on a square lattice},
author = {D. H. Linares and F. Roma and A. J. Ramirez-Pastor},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0712.4361},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
14 pages, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in JSTAT