Ensemble inequivalence in long-range interacting systems

Abstract

An important result we learn in the statistical physics course is that statistical ensembles are equivalent in the thermodynamic limit. However, a key assumption behind this result is that interactions in the system are short-range. When interactions are long-range, ensemble equivalence cannot be taken for granted. In this TFG, a simplified self-gravitating system is studied as an example of long-range interacting systems. By introducing the Thirring model, we will be able to see how negative specific heat appears in the microcanonical ensemble while in the canonical ensemble this region is replaced with an isothermal first-order phase transition