A Definition of Metastability for Markov Processes with Detailed Balance
arXiv:cond-mat/0509754 · doi:10.1140/epjb/e2006-00097-9
Abstract
A definition of metastable states applicable to arbitrary finite state Markov processes satisfying detailed balance is discussed. In particular, we identify a crucial condition that distinguishes genuine metastable states from other types of slowly decaying modes and which leads to properties similar to those postulated in the restricted ensemble approach \cite{pen71}. The intuitive physical meaning of this condition is simply that the total equilibrium probability of finding the system in the metastable state is negligible. As a concrete application of our formalism we present preliminary results on a 2D kinetic Ising model.
5 pp. 1 Figure, presented in News, Expectations and Trends in Statistical Physics-3rd International Conference, 13-18 August 2005, Kolymbari Crete