Abstract

A numeric method to characterize phase transitions is presented, explained and applied to a two-dimensional disordered system that can be thought of as a diluted ferromagnet or an Edwards-Anderson model near the ferromagnetic limit. A computer simulation is implemented to define a time series for order parameters; a file stores the time evolution of each parameter for different dilution concentrations and for a series of temperatures. These files are compressed and they reach a maximum size for temperatures in agreement with critical temperatures for the ferromagnetic/paramagnetic transition obtained by other methods. Site order parameter gives optimum results for this method based on data compression. Data compression procedures are invoked to give a qualitative explanation of this phenomenon. The advantages of this method are discussed by comparing results and procedures with two established methods: the crossing of Binder cumulants and the crossing of time autocorrelation functions. Other possible applications and extensions of this method are also mentioned. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.