Spin Models

description7 papers

group0 followers

lightbulbAbout this topic

Spin models are mathematical frameworks used in statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics to study the behavior of magnetic systems. They represent particles with discrete spin states, allowing for the analysis of phase transitions, critical phenomena, and collective behavior in systems of interacting spins.

lightbulbAbout this topic

Introduction to Spin Models in Computational Physics

by Peter J Meyer

Based on research involving Monte Carlo simulations, this paper discusses the role of models in physics, in particular, the modelling of magnetic material by means of various lattice geometries. It explains both single spin flip and... more

In a system of spins the spins must have some location, or at least there must be some way to relate them to each other and to decide which of them interact (usually only "nearest neighbour" spins interact). This may be done by postulating a regular geometric "lattice" structure consisting of lines joining vertices. A simple example of a lattice geometry is the "square" lattice: The analogue of this in three dimensions is the "cubic" lattice, and 4- and higher-dimensional analogues are known as "hypercubic" lattices.

and the 3-dimensional lattice known as the "diamond lattice", which is the structure of the carbon atoms in a diamond crystal. A vertex in the lattice which may be occupied by a spin is known as a "site". Thus spins occupy the sites of a lattice, but not every site must be occupied by a spin. A line joining two sites is called a "lattice bond". One of the characteristic properties of a lattice geometry is the number of sites directly connected to a site. This is usually the same for all sites. If it is then that number is known as the coordination number of the lattice.[14]

descriptionView Paper arrow_downwardDownload