Wavelength Selection in Slowly Quenched Systems

Abstract

In systems rapidly quenched into the unstable regime, the wavelength of the fastest growing unstable mode depends on the quench depth. In systems which are gradually driven unstable, there is no quench depth, hence a different mechanism must be responsible for the wavelength selection. We propose a selection mechanism in this case, obtain scaling relations, and discuss the criterion to determine whether a quench is rapid or slow.

Key Words:

• Slowly quenched systems
• polymerization induced phase separation