Metastability under Stochastic Dynamics

Abstract: A physical, chemical or biological system driven by a noisy microscopic dynamics may explore different regions of its state space on different time scales, i.e., for certain values of the interaction parameters the dynamics may move fast within regions but slow between regions. The macroscopic phenomenon associated with this separation is called metastability.

In this talk we consider two such systems, namely, Ising spins subject to a random spin-flip dynamics (which is a model for magnetism) and lattice particles subject to a random hopping dynamics (which is a model for condensation). We explain what has been achieved in past years to describe the metastable behavior of these systems, and what are the key challenges for the future.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. (Math Lounge, MATX 1115).