The thermodynamic limit and the replica method for short-range random systems

Short-range spin systems with random interactions are considered. A simple proof is given showing that the free energy of almost every sample converges to the average free energy in the thermodynamic limit. A stronger criterion, thermodynamic convergence, is also demonstrated. This implies that the N to infinity and n to 0 limits may be interchanged in the replica method. © 1982 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard G. Palmer Physics