The ''λ'' (lambda)
universality class
In statistical mechanics, a universality class is a collection of mathematical models which share a single scale invariant limit under the process of renormalization group flow. While the models within a class may differ dramatically at finite s ...
is a group in
condensed matter physics
Condensed matter physics is the field of physics that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter, especially the solid and liquid phases which arise from electromagnetic forces between atoms. More generally, the su ...
. It regroups several systems possessing strong analogies, namely,
superfluids,
superconductors
Superconductivity is a set of physical properties observed in certain materials where electrical resistance vanishes and magnetic flux fields are expelled from the material. Any material exhibiting these properties is a superconductor. Unlike ...
and
smectics (
liquid crystal
Liquid crystal (LC) is a state of matter whose properties are between those of conventional liquids and those of solid crystals. For example, a liquid crystal may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way. Th ...
s). All these systems are expected to belong to the same universality class for the thermodynamic critical properties of the phase transition. While these systems are quite different at the first glance, they all are described by similar formalisms and their typical
phase diagrams
A phase diagram in physical chemistry, engineering, mineralogy, and materials science is a type of chart used to show conditions (pressure, temperature, volume, etc.) at which thermodynamically distinct phases (such as solid, liquid or gaseous ...
are identical.
See also
*
Superfluid
Superfluidity is the characteristic property of a fluid with zero viscosity which therefore flows without any loss of kinetic energy. When stirred, a superfluid forms vortices that continue to rotate indefinitely. Superfluidity occurs in two ...
*
Superconductor
*
Liquid crystal
Liquid crystal (LC) is a state of matter whose properties are between those of conventional liquids and those of solid crystals. For example, a liquid crystal may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way. Th ...
*
Phase transition
In chemistry, thermodynamics, and other related fields, a phase transition (or phase change) is the physical process of transition between one state of a medium and another. Commonly the term is used to refer to changes among the basic states ...
*
Renormalization group
In theoretical physics, the term renormalization group (RG) refers to a formal apparatus that allows systematic investigation of the changes of a physical system as viewed at different scales. In particle physics, it reflects the changes in t ...
*
Topological defect
A topological soliton occurs when two adjoining structures or spaces are in some way "out of phase" with each other in ways that make a seamless transition between them impossible. One of the simplest and most commonplace examples of a topological ...
References
Books
* Chaikin P. M. and Lubensky T. C. ''Principles of Condensed Matter Physics'' (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge) 1995, sect.9.
* Feynman R. P. ''Progress in Low Temperature Physics'' Vol.1, edited by C. Gorter (North Holland, Amsterdam) 1955.
Journal articles
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* Translated as:
* {{cite journal , last1=Renn , first1=S. R. , last2=Lubensky , first2=T. C. , title=Abrikosov dislocation lattice in a model of the cholesteric–to–smectic-Atransition , journal=Physical Review A , publisher=American Physical Society (APS) , volume=38 , issue=4 , date=1 July 1988 , issn=0556-2791 , doi=10.1103/physreva.38.2132 , pmid=9900613 , pages=2132–2147, bibcode=1988PhRvA..38.2132R
Condensed matter physics
Critical phenomena
Phase transitions
Phases of matter