Research

Physical Sciences

Title :

Equilibrium and non-equilibrium behavior of complex systems with multi-state variables, long-range interactions and disorder

Area of research :

Physical Sciences

Focus area :

Statistical physics

Principal Investigator :

Prof. Varsha Banerjee, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi (110016)

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2025

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Complex systems exhibit complex free energy landscapes with metastable minima and a hierarchy of states. Understanding these systems is crucial, especially for those with quenched disorder. The collaboration aims to advance our understanding of how order-parameter symmetries, geometry, and interaction range contribute to the appearance of complex magnetic phases. The primary objectives include mapping the phase behavior of the q-state random-field Potts model, investigating the spin-glass transition's connection to percolation phenomena, understanding the glassy phase in dielectric and magnetic solids with long-range dipole-dipole interactions, and exploring the super-spin glass behavior in dense aggregates of single-domain superparamagnetic particles. The project will rely on cutting-edge computational tools, including combinatorial and heuristic optimization algorithms, generalized-ensemble Monte Carlo simulations, and machine-learning approaches. The Indian group has extensive experience in the equilibrium and non-equilibrium physics of dipolar systems, assemblies of superparamagnetic particles, liquid crystals, ferronematics, nematics with magnetic inclusion, and polar fluids. The German group has extensive experience in developing and applying advanced simulational techniques.

Total Budget (INR):

13,50,000

Organizations involved