title: Statistical mechanics of a discrete nonlinear system
abstract: Statistical mechanics of the discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equation is studied by means of analytical and numerical techniques. The lower bound of the Hamiltonian permits the construction of standard Gibbsian equilibrium measures for positive temperatures. Beyond the line of T = infinity, we identify a phase transition through a discontinuity in the partition function. The phase transition is demonstrated to manifest itself in the creation of breatherlike localized excitations. Interrelation between the statistical mechanics and the nonlinear dynamics of the system is explored numerically in both regimes.
authors.affiliation: Theoretical Division and Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cretegny
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Kevrekidis
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gronbech-Jensen