Thermodynamics of entropy-driven phase transformations

Thermodynamic properties of one-dimensional lattice models exhibiting entropy-driven phase transformations are discussed in quantum and classical regimes. Motivated by the multistability of compounds exhibiting photoinduced phase transitions, we consider systems with asymmetric, double, and triple well on-site potential. One finds that among a variety of regimes, quantum versus classical, discrete versus continuum, a key feature is asymmetry distinguished as a "shift" type and "shape" type in limiting cases. The behavior of the specific heat indicates one phase transformation in a "shift" type and a sequence of two phase transformations in "shape"-type systems. Future analysis in higher dimensions should allow us to identify which of these entropy-driven phase transformations would evolve into phase transitions of the first order

Asymmetry Driven Phase Transformations

Motivated by the properties of one-dimensional lattice systems with asymmetric on-site potential, one can formulate a hypothesis of an asymmetry driven phase transformation. Characteristic feature of one-dimensional systems exhibiting asymmetry driven phase transformation is a sequence of the two phase conversions. In particular class of such systems with a triple-well potential, phase conversions of one-dimensional systems would evolve into a sequence of two phase transitions in three-dimensional models. We propose here a model of three-dimensional system exhibiting a sequence of two first order asymmetry driven phase transitions