Probability Seminar: Fabio Toninelli, ENS Lyon

  • Date: 01/11/2012
  • Time: 15:00
Lecturer(s):
Fabio Toninelli, ENS, Lyon
Location: 

University of British Columbia

Topic: 

The random pinning model: Harris criterion and disorder relevance

Description: 

Abstract:

 

The so-called Harris criterion (A. B. Harris '74), is a non-rigorous argument, frequently used in theoretical physics literature to predict whether the critical properties of a statistical mechanics system will be qualitatively modified by a small concentration of impurities ("relevance of disorder"). Giving mathematical bases to this argument is an old challenge in the theory of disordered systems and rigorous results are very scarce. In recent years, the so-called polymer pinning model has proved to be an ideal context to attack this problem. In particular, we have given
a rigorous justification of the Harris criterion for this class of
models and we have solved an long controversy about the "relevance" of disorder for the pinning model in (1+1) dimensions.
I will give a non-technical overview of related results.

Based on joint works with: B. Derrida, G. Giacomin, H. Lacoin.

Schedule: 

3:00-4:00pm in WMAX 110

Other Information: 

For further information please see the event page at: http://www.math.ubc.ca/Dept/Events/index.shtml?period=future&series=all

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