Numerical comparison of two approaches for the study of phase transitions in small systems

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

We compare two recently proposed methods for the characterization of phase transitions in small systems. The validity and usefulness of these approaches are studied for the cases of the [formula presented] and [formula presented] Potts model, i.e., systems where a thermodynamic limit and exact results exist. Guided by this analysis we then discuss the helix-coil transition in polyalanine, an example of structural transitions in biological molecules. © 2002 The American Physical Society.

Publication Title

Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

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