Importance of interfacial coupling on the formation and growth of metastable phases

Abstract

The dynamics of first-order phase transitions are investigated. In many cases, three phases can occur simultaneously, with a finite layer of stable or metastable phases forming at the surface. We present a theory for the formation and growth of metastable phases in planar and spherical geometry. The dynamical equations are based on the time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg equation and can be solved analytically. An exponential interaction term between interfaces is shown to occur and acts to stabilize the metastable surface film. The conditions on the exterior parameters for the appearance of dynamic or static metastable states are given.