Interfaces in confined Ising models: Kawasaki, Glauber and sheared dynamics

We study interfacial properties of the phase-separated two-dimensional Ising model. The interface between coexisting phases is stabilized by two parallel walls with opposing surface fields. A driving field parallel to the walls is applied which (i) either acts locally at the walls or (ii) varies linearly with distance across the strip. Using computer simulations with Kawasaki dynamics, we found (Smith et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 067203) that the system reaches a steady state with a sharper magnetization profile, reduced interfacial width, and faster decay of correlations along the interface, as compared to the equilibrium case. Here we present new results for the bond energy profile, providing further evidence for the picture wherein shear acts as effective confinement in this system. As a prerequisite for understanding the driven system, we investigate the pronounced differences between Kawasaki (spin-exchange) and Glauber (spin-flip) dynamics in the confined equilibrium system.