A $(1+1)$ dimensional model of directed percolation is introduced where sites on a tilted square lattice are connected to their neighbours by $N$ channels, operated at both ends by valves which are either open or closed. The spreading fluid is assumed to propagate from any site to the neighbours in a specified direction only through those channels which have open valves at both sites. We show that the system undergoes a discontinuous absorbing state transition in the large $N$ limit when the number of open valves at each site $n$ crosses a threshold value $n_c=\sqrt N.$ Remarkable dynamical properties of discontinuous transitions, like hysteresis and existence of two well separated fluctuating phases near the critical point are also observed. The transition is found to be discontinuous in all $(d+1)$ dimensions.
Discontinuous transitions into absorbing states require an effective mechanism that prevents the stabilization of low density states. They can be found in different systems, such as lattice models or stochastic differential equations (e.g. Langevin equations). Recent results for the latter approach have shown that the inclusion of limited diffusion suppresses discontinuous transitions, whereas they are maintained for larger diffusion strengths. Here we give a further step by addressing the effect of diffusion in two simple lattice models originally presenting discontinuous absorbing transition…
Based on quasi-stationary distribution ideas, a general finite size scaling theory is proposed for discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions into absorbing states. Analogously to the equilibrium case, we show that quantities such as, response functions, cumulants, and equal area probability distributions, all scale with the volume, thus allowing proper estimates for the thermodynamic limit. To illustrate these results, five very distinct lattice models displaying nonequilibrium transitions -- to single and infinitely many absorbing states -- are investigated. The innate difficulties in an…
Distinct works have claimed that spatial (quenched) disorder can suppress the discontinuous absorbing phase transitions. Conversely, the scenario for temporal disorder for discontinuous absorbing phase transitions is unknown. In order to shed some light in this direction, we tackle its effect in three bidimensional examples, presenting undoubtedly discontinuous absorbing phase transitions. Except in one case (to be explained further), the temporal disorder is introduced by allowing the control parameter to be time dependent $p\rightarrow p(t)$ according to a uniform distribution of mean $p_0$ …
We study absorbing-state phase transitions in two-dimensional Voronoi-Delaunay (VD) random lattices with quenched coordination disorder. Quenched randomness usually changes the criticality and destroys discontinuous transitions in low-dimensional nonequilibrium systems. We performed extensive simulations of the Ziff-Gulari-Barshad (ZGB) model, and verified that the VD disorder does not change the nature of its discontinuous transition. Our results corroborate recent findings of Barghatti and Vojta [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 113}, 120602 (2014)] stating the irrelevance of topological disorder in a …
It is known that diffusion provokes substantial changes in continuous absorbing phase transitions. Conversely, its effect on discontinuous transitions is much less understood. In order to shed light in this direction, we study the inclusion of diffusion in the simplest one-dimensional model with a discontinuous absorbing phase transition, namely the long-range contact process ($σ$-CP). Particles interact as in the usual CP, but the transition rate depends on the length $\ell$ of inactive sites according to $1 + a \ell^{-σ}$, where $a$ and $σ$ are control parameters. In the absence of diffusion…
Contact processes (CP's) with particle creation requiring a minimal neighborhood (restrictive or threshold CP's) present a novel sort of discontinuous absorbing transitions, that revealed itself robust under the inclusion of different ingredients, such as distinct lattice topologies, particle annihilations and diffusion. Here, we tackle on the influence of competition between restrictive and standard dynamics (that describes the usual CP and a continuous DP transition is presented). Systems have been studied via mean-field theory (MFT) and numerical simulations. Results show partial contrast b…
Motivated by recent findings, we discuss the existence of a direct and robust mechanism providing discontinuous absorbing transitions in short range systems with single species, with no extra symmetries or conservation laws. We consider variants of the contact process, in which at least two adjacent particles (instead of one, as commonly assumed) are required to create a new species. Many interaction rules are analyzed, including distinct cluster annihilations and a modified version of the original pair contact process (PCP). Through detailed time dependent numerical simulations we find that f…
Quenched disorder affects significantly the behavior of phase transitions. The Imry-Ma-Aizenman-Wehr-Berker argument prohibits first-order or discontinuous transitions and their concomitant phase coexistence in low-dimensional equilibrium systems in the presence of random fields. Instead, discontinuous transitions become rounded or even continuous once disorder is introduced. Here we show that phase coexistence and first-order phase transitions are also precluded in nonequilibrium low-dimensional systems with quenched disorder: discontinuous transitions in two-dimensional systems with absorbin…
We study the lattice reaction diffusion model 3A -> 4A, A -> 0 (``triplet creation") using numerical simulations and n-site approximations. The simulation results provide evidence of a discontinuous phase transition at high diffusion rates. In this regime the order parameter appears to be a discontinuous function of the creation rate; no evidence of a stable interface between active and absorbing phases is found. Based on an effective mapping to a modified compact directed percolation process, shall nevertheless argue that the transition is continuous, despite the seemingly discontinuous phase…
We explore the effects that quenched disorder has on discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions into absorbing states. We focus our analysis on the Naming Game model, a nonequilibrium low-dimensional system with different absorbing states. The results obtained by means of the finite-size scaling analysis and from the study of the temporal dynamics of the density of active sites near the transition point evidence that the spatial quenched disorder does not destroy the discontinuous transition.
We present extensive numerical simulations of a family of non-equilibrium Potts models with absorbing states that allows for a variety of scenarios, depending on the number of spin states and the range of the spin-spin interactions. These scenarios encompass a voter critical point, a discontinuous transition as well as the presence of both a symmetry-breaking phase transition and an absorbing phase transition. While we also investigate standard steady-state quantities, our emphasis is on time-dependent quantities that provide insights into the transient properties of the models.
We study a simple chemical reaction system and effects of the internal noise. The chemical reaction system causes the same transition phenomenon discussed by Togashi and Kaneko [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86 (2001) 2459; J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 72 (2003) 62]. By using the simpler model than Togashi-Kaneko's one, we discuss the transition phenomenon by means of a random walk model and an effective model. The discussion makes it clear that quasi-absorbing states, which are produced by the change of the strength of the internal noise, play an important role in the transition phenomenon. Stabilizing the quasi-ab…
A finite size scaling theory, originally developed only for transitions to absorbing states [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 92}, 062126 (2015)], is extended to distinct sorts of discontinuous nonequilibrium phase transitions. Expressions for quantities such as, response functions, reduced cumulants and equal area probability distributions, are derived from phenomenological arguments. Irrespective of system details, all these quantities scale with the volume, establishing the dependence on size. The approach generality is illustrated through the analysis of different models. The present results are a releva…
Recently, Lipowski [cond-mat/0002378] investigated a stochastic lattice model which exhibits a discontinuous transition from an active phase into infinitely many absorbing states. Since the transition is accompanied by an apparent power-law singularity, it was conjectured that the model may combine features of first- and second-order phase transitions. In the present work it is shown that this singularity emerges as an artifact of the definition of the model in terms of products. Instead of a power law, we find a logarithmic singularity at the transition. Moreover, we generalize the model in s…
We study the dynamics of an interface (active domain) between different absorbing regions in models with two absorbing states in one dimension; probabilistic cellular automata models and interacting monomer-dimer models. These models exhibit a continuous transition from an active phase into an absorbing phase, which belongs to the directed Ising (DI) universality class. In the active phase, the interface spreads ballistically into the absorbing regions and the interface width diverges linearly in time. Approaching the critical point, the spreading velocity of the interface vanishes algebraical…
We study in further detail particle models displaying a boundary-induced absorbing state phase transition [Phys. Rev. E. {\bf 65}, 046104 (2002) and Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 100}, 165701 (2008)] . These are one-dimensional systems consisting of a single site (the boundary) where creation and annihilation of particles occur and a bulk where particles move diffusively. We study different versions of these models, and confirm that, except for one exactly solvable bosonic variant exhibiting a discontinuous transition and trivial exponents, all the others display non-trivial behavior, with critical ex…
It has been proposed (Phys. Rev. E {\bf 71}, 026121 (2005)) that unlike the short range contact process, a long-range counterpart may lead to the existence a discontinuous phase transition in one dimension. Aiming at exploring such link, here we investigate thoroughly a family of long-range contact processes. They are introduced through the transition rate $1+a\ell^{-σ}$, where $\ell$ is the length of inactive islands surrounding particles. In the former approach we reconsider the original model (called $σ-$contact process), by considering distinct mechanisms of weakening the long-range intera…
A nonequilibrium Potts-like model with $q$ absorbing states is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. In two dimensions and $q=3$ the model exhibits a discontinuous transition. For the three-dimensional case and $q=2$ the model exhibits a continuous, transition with $β=1$ (mean-field). Simulations are inconclusive, however, in the two-dimensional case for $q=2$. We suggest that in this case the model is close to or at the crossing point of lines separating three different types of phase transitions. The proposed phase diagram in the $(q,d)$ plane is very similar to that of the equilibrium Pott…
The contact process is a stochastic process which exhibits a continuous, absorbing-state phase transition in the Directed Percolation (DP) universality class. In this work, we consider a contact process with a bias in conjunction with an active wall. This model exhibits waves of activity emanating from the active wall and, when the system is supercritical, propagating indefinitely as travelling (Fisher) waves. In the subcritical phase the activity is localised near the wall. We study the phase transition numerically and show that certain properties of the system, notably the wave velocity, are…
A one dimensional non-equilibrium stochastic model is proposed where each site of the lattice is occupied by a particle, which may be of type A or B. The time evolution of the model occurs through three processes: autocatalytic generation of A and B particles and spontaneous conversion A to B. The two-parameter phase diagram of the model is obtained in one- and two-site mean field approximations, as well as through numerical simulations and exact solution of finite systems extrapolated to the thermodynamic limit. A continuous line of transitions between an active and an absorbing phase is foun…
Based on the MFT arguments, a general description for discontinuous phase transitions in the presence temporal disorder is considered. Our analysis extends the recent findings [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 98}, 032129 (2018)] by considering other kinds of phase transitions beyond the absorbing ones. The theory is exemplified in one of the simplest (nonequilibrium) order disorder (discontinuous) phase transition with "up-down" $Z_2$ symmetry: the inertial majority vote (IMV) model for two kinds of temporal disorder. As for the APT case, the temporal disorder does not suppress the occurrence of discontinuo…
Via extensive Monte Carlo simulations along with systematic analyses of corrections to scaling, we estimate the order parameter critical exponent $β$ of absorbing phase transitions in systems with two symmetric absorbing states. The value of $β$ was conjectured to be $\frac{13}{14}\approx 0.93$ and Monte Carlo simulation studies in the literature have repeatedly reproduced values consistent with the conjecture. In this paper, we systematically estimate $β$ by analyzing the effective exponent after finding how strong corrections to scaling are. We show that the widely accepted numerical value o…
We develop a general theory for discontinuous non-equilibrium phase transitions into an absorbing state in the presence of temporal disorder. We focus in two paradigmatic models for discontinuous transitions: the quadratic contact process (in which activation is only spread when two nearest- neighbor sites are both active) and the contact process with long-range interactions. Using simple stability arguments (supported by Monte Carlo simulations), we show that temporal disorder does not destroy the discontinuous transition in the former model. For the latter one, the first-order transition is …
We study a contact process with creation at first- and second-neighbor sites and inhibition at first neighbors, in the form of an annihilation rate that increases with the number of occupied first neighbors. Mean-field theory predicts three phases: inactive (absorbing), active symmetric, and active asymmetric, the latter exhibiting distinct sublattice densities on a bipartite lattice. These phases are separated by continuous transitions; the phase diagram is reentrant. Monte Carlo simulations in two dimensions verify these predictions qualitatively, except for a first-neighbor creation rate of…
Using Monte Carlo method we study a two-dimensional model with infinitely many absorbing states. Our estimation of the critical exponent beta=0.273(5) suggests that the model belongs to the (1+1) rather than (2+1) directed-percolation universality class. We also show that for a large class of absorbing states the dynamic Monte Carlo method leads to spurious dynamical transitions.
In this work we study on a 2-dimensional square lattice a recent version of the Naming Game, an agent-based model used for describing the emergence of linguistic structures. The system is open-ended and agents can invent new words all along the evolution of the game, picking them up from a pool characterised by a Gaussian distribution with standard deviation $σ$. The model displays a nonequilibrium phase transition at a critical point $σ_{c}\approx 25.6$, which separates an absorbing consensus state from an active fragmented state where agents continuously exchange different words. The finite-…
We performed Monte Carlo simulations of the symbiotic contact process on different spatial dimensions ($d$). On the complete and random graphs (infinite dimension), we observe hysteresis cycles and bistable regions, what is consistent with the discontinuous absorbing-state phase transition predicted by mean-field theory. By contrast, on a regular square lattice, we find no signs of bistability or hysteretic behavior. This result suggests that the transition in two dimensions is rather continuous. Based on our numerical observations, we conjecture that the nature of the transition changes at th…
Motivated by a novel method for granular segregation, we analyze the one dimensional drift-diffusion between two absorbing boundaries. The time evolution of the probability distribution and the rate of absorption are given by explicit formulae, the splitting probability and the mean first passage time are also calculated. Applying the results we find optimal parameters for segregating binary granular mixtures.
We analyse numerically the critical behavior of a conserved lattice gas which was recently introduced as an example of the new universality class of absorbing phase transitions with a conserved field [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 1803 (2000)]. We determine the critical exponent of the order parameter as well as the critical exponent of the order parameter fluctuations in D=2,3,4,5 dimensions. A comparison of our results and those obtained from a mean-field approach and a field theory suggests that the upper critical dimension of the absorbing phase transition is four.
We explore the two-dimensional generalized contact process with two absorbing states by means of large-scale Monte-Carlo simulations. In part of the phase diagram, an infinitesimal creation rate of active sites between inactive domains is sufficient to take the system from the inactive phase to the active phase. The system therefore displays two different nonequilibrium phase transitions. The critical behavior of the generic transition is compatible with the generalized voter (GV) universality class, implying that the symmetry-breaking and absorbing transitions coincide. In contrast, the trans…
In a recent article [arXiv:1108.5127] Park has shown that the four-state predator-prey model studied earlier in [J. Stat. Mech, L05001 (2011)] belongs to Directed Percolation (DP) universality class. It was claimed that predator density is not a reasonable order parameter, as there are many absorbing states; a suitably chosen order parameter shows DP critical behavior. In this article, we argue that the configuration that does not have any predator is the only dynamically accessible absorbing configuration, and the predator density too settles to DP critical exponents after a long transient.
We consider directed percolation with an absorbing boundary in 1+1 and 2+1 dimensions. The distribution of cluster lifetimes and sizes depend on the boundary. The new scaling exponents can be related to the exponents characterizing standard directed percolation in 1+1 dimension. In addition, we investigate the backbone cluster and red bonds, and calculate the distribution of living sites along the absorbing boundary.
The conserved Manna model with a planar absorbing boundary is studied in various space dimensions. We present a heuristic argument that allows one to compute the surface critical exponent in one dimension analytically. Moreover, we discuss the mean field limit that is expected to be valid in d>4 space dimensions and demonstrate how the corresponding partial differential equations can be solved.
We analyse numerically the critical behavior of an absorbing phase transition in a conserved lattice gas in an external field. The external field is realized as a spontaneous creation of active particles which drives the system away from criticality. Nevertheless, the order parameter obeys certain scaling laws for sufficiently small external fields. These scaling laws are investigated and the corresponding exponents are determined in various dimensions ($D=2,3,4,5$). At the so-called upper critical dimension $D_{\text c}=4$ one has to modify the usual scaling laws by logarithmic corrections.
In a recent letter [Chatterjee R, Mohanty P K, and Basu A, 2011 {\em J. Stat. Mech.} L05001], it was claimed that a four-state predator-prey (4SPP) model exhibits critical behavior distinct from that of directed percolation (DP). In this Letter, we show that the 4SPP in fact belongs to the DP universality class.
The synchronization transition between two coupled replicas of spatio-temporal chaotic systems in 2+1 dimensions is studied as a phase transition into an absorbing state - the synchronized state. Confirming the scenario drawn in 1+1 dimensional systems, the transition is found to belong to two different universality classes - Multiplicative Noise (MN) and Directed Percolation (DP) - depending on the linear or nonlinear character of damage spreading occurring in the coupled systems. By comparing coupled map lattice with two different stochastic models, accurate numerical estimates for MN in 2+1…
We demonstrate that absorbing phase transitions in one dimension may be induced by the dynamics of a single site. As an example we consider a one-dimensional model of diffusing particles, where a single site at the boundary evolves according to the dynamics of a contact process. As the rate for offspring production at this site is varied, the model exhibits a phase transition from a fluctuating active phase into an absorbing state. The universal properties of the transition are analyzed by numerical simulations and approximation techniques.
Extensive simulations are performed to study the persistence behavior of a conserved lattice gas model exhibiting an absorbing phase transition from an active phase into an inactive phase. Both the global and the local persistence exponents are determined in two and higher dimensions. The local persistence exponent obeys a scaling relation involving the order parameter exponent of the absorbing phase transition. Furthermore we observe that the global persistence exponent exceeds its local counterpart in all dimensions in contrast to the known persistence behavior in reversible phase transition…
We analyze nonequilibrium lattice models with up-down symmetry and two absorbing states by mean-field approximations and numerical simulations in two and three dimensions. The phase diagram displays three phases: paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and absorbing. The transition line between the first two phases belongs to the Ising universality class and between the last two, to the direct percolation universality class. The two lines meet at the point describing the voter model and the size $\ell$ of the ferromagnetic phase vanishes with the distance $\varepsilon$ to the voter point as $\ell\sim\vare…
It is shown that the single-step periodic signal (periodic telegraph signal) can not produce coherent stochastic resonance for diffusion on a segment with one absorbing and one reflecting end points while the multi-step periodic signal does. The general features of this process are exihibited. The resonant frequency is found to decrease and the mean first passage time at resonant frequency increases linearly, as we increase the length of the medium. The cycle variable is shown to be the proper argument to express the first passage time density function at resonance. A formula for first passage…
We consider the ordering dynamics of the Ising model on a square lattice where an additional fixed number of bonds connect any two sites chosen randomly. The total number of shortcuts added is controlled by two parameters $p$ and $α$. The structural properties of the network are investigated which show that that the small world behaviour is obtained along the line $α=\frac{\ln (N/2p)}{\ln N}$, which separates regions with ultra small world like behaviour and short ranged lattice like behaviour. We obtain a rich phase diagram in the $p-α$ plane showing the existence of different types of active…
We study a model of two-dimensional interacting monomers which has two symmetric absorbing states and exhibits two kinds of phase transition; one is an order-disorder transition and the other is an absorbing phase transition. Our focus is around the order-disorder transition, and we investigate whether this transition is described by the critical exponents of the two-dimensional Ising model. By analyzing the relaxation dynamics of "staggered magnetization," the finite-size scaling, and the behavior of the magnetization in the presence of a symmetry-breaking field, we show that this model shoul…
The model of competition between densities of two different species, called predator and prey, is studied on a one dimensional periodic lattice, where each site can be in one of the four states say, empty, or occupied by a single predator, or occupied by a single prey, or by both. Along with the pairwise death of predators and growth of preys, we introduce an interaction where the predators can eat one of the neighboring prey and reproduce a new predator there instantly. The model shows a non-equilibrium phase transition into a unusual absorbing state where predators are absent and the lattice…
On the basis of general considerations, we propose a Langevin equation accounting for critical phenomena occurring in the presence of two symmetric absorbing states. We study its phase diagram by mean-field arguments and direct numerical integration in physical dimensions. Our findings fully account for and clarify the intricate picture known so far from the aggregation of partial results obtained with microscopic models. We argue that the direct transition from disorder to one of two absorbing states is best described as a (generalized) voter critical point and show that it can be split into …
The phase transitions to absorbing states of the branching-annihilating reaction-diffusion processes mA --> (m+k)A, nA --> (n-l)A are studied systematically in one space dimension within a new family of models. Four universality classes of non-trivial critical behavior are found. This provides, in particular, the first evidence of universal scaling laws for pair and triplet processes.
We consider two mean-field like models which belong to the universality class of absorbing phase transitions with a conserved field. In both cases we derive analytically the order parameter as function of the control parameter and of an external field conjugated to the order parameter. This allows us to calculate the universal scaling function of the mean-field behavior. The obtained universal function is in perfect agreement with recently obtained numerical data of the corresponding five and six dimensional models, showing that four is the upper critical dimension of this particular universal…
Although Hinrichsen in his unpublished work theoretically rebutted the possibility of the discontinuous transition in one-dimensional nonequilibrium systems unless there are additional conservation laws, long-range interactions, macroscopic currents, or special boundary conditions, we have recently observed the resurrection of the claim that the triplet creation model (TC) introduced by Dickman and Tomé [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 44}, 4833 (1991)] would show the discontinuous transition. By extensive simulations, however, we find that the one-dimensional TC does belong to the directed percolation univ…
We study one- and two-dimensional models which undergo a transition between active and absorbing phases. The transition point in these models is of novel type: jump of the order parameter coincides with its power-law singularity. Some arguments supported by Monte Carlo simulations prompted us to predict the exact location of the transition point. Both models possess gauge-like symmetry.
We study phase transitions in a long-range one-dimensional cellular automaton with two symmetric absorbing states. It includes and extends several other models, like the Ising and Domany-Kinzel ones. It is characterized by a competing ferromagnetic linear coupling and an antiferromagnetic nonlinear one. Despite its simplicity, this model exhibits an extremely rich phase diagram. We present numerical results and mean-field approximations.
Steady-state phase transition in one-dimensional hybrid contact process
Dalian University of Technology（大连理工大学）；The Chinese University of Hong Kong（香港中文大学）；The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute（香港中文大学（深圳）研究院）；Lanzhou University（兰州大学）
An exactly solvable reaction-diffusion model consisting of first-class particles in the presence of a single second-class particle is introduced on a one-dimensional lattice with periodic boundary condition. The number of first-class particles can be changed due to creation and annihilation reactions. It is shown that the system undergoes a discontinuous phase transition in contrast to the case where the density of the second-class particles is finite and the phase transition is continuous.
We study absorbing state phase transition in one dimension in presence of a conserved continuous local field (CCLF) called energy. A pair of sites on a lattice is said to be active if one or both sites posses more energy than a pre-defined threshold. The active pair of sites are allowed to redistribute their energy following a stochastic rule. We show that, the CCLF model undergo a continuous absorbing state transition when energy per site is decreased below a critical value. The critical exponents are found to be different from those of DP.
