Dynamic phase transition in the mean-field Ising model

Abstract

We study the dynamic behavior of the Ising model under an oscillating magnetic field in the mean-field approximation. A dynamic phase transition causing a spontaneous symmetry breaking of the hysteresis loop arises due to the competition between the timescales associated with the spin relaxation and the oscillating field. A dynamic order parameter measuring the asymmetry of the hysteresis loop is defined and its critical behavior is explored. The critical exponents are found to match those of the equilibrium transition once the thermodynamic variables are replaced with certain dynamic variables.