Entropy production as a tool for characterizing nonequilibrium phase transitions

Area of Science:

• Statistical Mechanics
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• Complex Systems

Background:

• Equilibrium phase transitions are well-characterized by order parameters.
• Nonequilibrium systems possess irreversible dynamics that influence transition properties.
• Entropy production is a key metric, being zero in equilibrium and positive out of equilibrium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize nonequilibrium phase transitions using entropy production.
• To bridge the gap in understanding irreversible dynamics' role in phase transitions.
• To establish a general framework for classifying these transitions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of both discontinuous and continuous phase transitions.
• Inclusion of regular and complex topologies.
• Application of mean-field theory (MFT) and beyond MFT.
• Focus on Z_{2} symmetry systems.

Main Results:

• Entropy production provides a distinct hallmark for different types of phase transitions.
• A general description of entropy production portraits for Z_{2} symmetry systems under MFT was developed.
• The majority vote model was used to exemplify predictions.

Conclusions:

• Entropy production offers a systematic way to describe and classify nonequilibrium phase transitions.
• This approach highlights the system's irreversibility.
• The findings provide a new perspective on understanding complex system dynamics.