GENERAL-METHOD TO DETERMINE REPLICA SYMMETRY-BREAKING TRANSITIONS

We introduce a new parameter to investigate replica symmetry breaking transitions using finite-size scaling methods. Based on exact equaliti es initially derived by F, Guerra this parameter is a direct check of the self-averaging character of the spin-glass order parameter. This n ew parameter can be used to study models with time reversal symmetry b ut its greatest interest lies in models where this symmetry is absent. We apply the method to long-range and short-range Ising spin-glasses with and without a magnetic field as well as short-range multispin int eraction spin-glasses. [S0031-9007(98)06955-5].