Metastability of the two-dimensional Blume-Capel model with zero chemical potential and small magnetic field (Q315666)

A necessary reading (to be viewed as an introduction to the topics considered) is [\textit{A. Bianchi} and \textit{A. Gaudillière}, Stochastic Processes Appl. 126, No. 6, 1622--1680 (2016; Zbl 1348.82060)], The notion of metastability in random motion has been the subject of intensive investigations ranging back to the classic paper by \textit{H. A. Kramers}, see, e.g., for a discussion of the escape from a metastable state [``Escape from a metastable state'', J. Stat. Phys. 42, No. 1--2, 105--148 (1986; \url{doi:10.1007/BF01010843})]. The present paper addresses the finite spin chain model via potential-theoretic methods. The Blume-Capel model with zero chemical potential and a small positive magnetic field is considered, where the evolution is defined on a large but finite torus. Sharp estimates are obtained for the transition time, the set of critical configurations is characterised, the metastable behavior of the dynamics is described as the temperature vanishes. As the authors themselves state, the main results may not be considered as new, but proofs are presented, which rely on a simple inequality coming form the potential theory of Markov chains.