Glassy transition and metastability in four-spin Ising model

Abstract

Using Monte Carlo simulations we show that the three-dimensional Ising model with four-spin (plaquette) interactions has some characteristic glassy features. The model dynamically generates diverging energy barriers, which give rise to slow dynamics at low temperature. Moreover, in a certain temperature range the model possesses a metastable (supercooled liquid) phase, which is presumably supported by certain entropy barriers. Although extremely strong, metastability in our model is only a finite-size effect and sufficiently large droplets of stable phase divert evolution of the system toward the stable phase. Thus, the glassy transitions in this model is a dynamic transition, preceded by a pronounced peak in the specific heat.

Comments: extensively revised, with further simulations of metastability properties, response to referees tactfully removed