Domain growth and scaling in theQ-state Potts model

Abstract

The kinetics of ordering in the Q-state Potts model on a square lattice is studied for quenches from a high-temperature, disordered state to low temperatures below the phase-transition point. Growth laws for the average size of domains are obtained by Monte Carlo studies with Glauber dynamics for Q=3, 4, 6, and 8 for several low temperatures. In addition, the nonequilibrium structure factor is calculated for Q=8 and is shown to satisfy scaling. This study may be of some relevance to island growth in surface science, since the Potts model has been used to describe the adsorption of atoms on substrates.