Experimental statistical physics for macroscopic non-equilibrium systems using liquid-crystal turbulence

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25707033
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Mathematical physics/Fundamental condensed matter physics
• Research Institution: Tokyo Institute of Technology (2015); The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Takeuchi Kazumasa 東京工業大学, 理工学研究科, 准教授 (50622304)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 統計物理学 / 非平衡・非線形物理学 / 数理物理学 / 臨界現象 / 液晶 / 乱流 / 界面成長 / スケーリング則

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using electrically driven liquid-crystal turbulence, we experimentally studied universal fluctuation properties in a type of phase transitions called absorbing-state transitions as well as growth of fluctuating interfaces. For the absorbing-state transitions, we determined an optimal condition for measuring critical behavior in the presence of up-down symmetry. For the growth phenomena, we experimentally or numerically realized the following three cases: (1) outward growth from a circle, (2) inward growth from a circle, (3) growth in two regions of different growth speeds. For each case we measured statistical properties of interface fluctuations. Universality of the results was also studied through comparison with numerical simulations and collaboration with theorists.

Free Research Field

統計物理学