Finite size effects on phase transitions

Abstract

Both first- and second-order transitions get smeared and shifted due to the finite size of a sample. Recent theoretical developments on this finite size rounding of singularities associated with phase transitions are briefly reviewed, and evidence from Monte Carlo simulations for the validity of these concepts will be discussed. It is also shown how finite size scaling theories in conjunction with simulation data from finite systems are a powerful tool for the quantitative study of bulk critical phenomena. We shall also mention extensions such as finite size tests of hyperscaling, finite size scaling of interfacial properties, finite size effects on critical relaxation, etc. A brief discussion of the experimental situation concludes this review.