Theory of phase-transition kinetics in systems with continuous symmetry

Abstract

We study the kinetics of phase transitions in a system with continuous symmetry quenched below the critical temperature in the absence of any symmetry-breaking effect. We obtain analytic results which are exact in the spherical limit for a vectorial nonconserved order parameter. The scaling behavior related to the formation of a new phase and the buildup of infinite-range correlations typical of spontaneous symmetry breaking are studied. Finite-size effects are shown to restore ergodic behavior at equilibrium.