Spatial structure in low dimensions for diffusion limited two-particle reactions (Q1872467): Difference between revisions

A system of particles of two types on \(Z^d\), \(A\) and \(B\), which execute simple random walks in continuous time at rate \(d\) is considered. Particles are assumed not to interact with their own type, multiple \(A\) particles or multiple \(B\) particles can occupy a given site. However, when a particle meets a particle of the opposite type, both disappear. Particles are initially distributed according to independent homogeneous Poisson random fields, with intensity \(\lambda\) for each type of particle. This system serves as a model for the chemical reaction \(A+B\to \text{inert}.\) Denote by \(\xi_t\), \(\xi_t\in (Z^d_+)^{Z^d},\) the random state of the system at time \(t\), where \(Z_+\) designates the nonnegative integers; the first coordinate at each site corresponds to the number of \(A\) particles there, and the second coordinate to the number of \(B\) particles. In [\textit{M. Bramson} and \textit{J. L. Lebowitz}, J. Stat. Phys. 62, 297-372 (1991; Zbl 0739.60091)], the densities of the two types of particles were shown to decay asymptotically like \(t^{-d/4}\) for \(d<4\) and \(t^{-1}\) for \(d\geq 4\), as \(t\to\infty .\) This change in behavior from low to high dimensions corresponds to a change in spatial structure. In \(d<4\) particle types segregate, with only one type present locally. After suitable rescaling, the process converges to a limit, with density given by a Gaussian process. In \(d>4\), both particle types are, at large times, present locally in concentrations not depending on the type, location or realization. In \(d=4\), both particle types are present locally, but with varying concentrations. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the spatial structure of \(\xi_t\) in \(d<4\). In particular, the macroscopic limiting behavior of the process is given.