SHORT-TIME DYNAMICS OF CLUSTER GROWTH IN THE POTTS-MODEL

The two- and three-dimensional q-state Potts model is simulated by a c luster algorithm and the relaxation dynamics of average cluster size a nd the order parameter during initial thermalization are studied. The dependence of these quantities on the lattice size and Ci in the early stages of Monte Carlo iterations reveals valuable information on the nature of the phase transition occurring in the system. From the initi al thermalization data of the 2D 7-state Potts model, surface tension is also calculated. The value is in good agreement with the exact resu lt. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.