Topology of event distribution as a generalized definition of phase transitions in finite systems

Ph. Chomaz, F. Gulminelli, V. Duflot

Published 2000-10-24, updated 2000-11-08Version 2

We propose a definition of phase transitions in finite systems based on topology anomalies of the event distribution in the space of observations. This generalizes all the definitions based on the curvature anomalies of thermodynamical potentials and provides a natural definition of order parameters. The proposed definition is directly operational from the experimental point of view. It allows to study phase transitions in Gibbs equilibria as well as in other ensembles such as the Tsallis ensemble.