The phase-separation dynamics of a 2-dimensional Ising model, where A and B particles could exchange positions only with a vacancy, were studied. Over a wide range of temperatures, the kinetics were dominated by the diffusion of particles along domain interfaces during a long pre-asymptotic regime. The dynamic exponent which was associated with this mechanism differed from the one usually expected for Kawasaki dynamics, and was shown to assume different values; depending upon the temperature and relative AB concentration. At low temperatures, domains grew as t½ for equal A and B volume fractions.

Fast Growth at Low Temperature in Vacancy-Mediated Phase Separation. C.Castellano, F.Corberi: Physical Review B, 2001, 63[6], 060102 (4pp)