Long-range order

In physics, long-range order characterizes physical systems in which remote portions of the same sample exhibit correlated behavior.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

This can be seen with a correlation function, namely the spin-spin correlation function:

This function is equal to unity when x = x' and decreases as the distance | x − x' | increases. Typically, it decays exponentially to zero at large distances, and the system is considered to be disordered. If, however, the correlation function decays to a constant value at large | x − x' | then the system is said to possess long-range order. If it decays to zero algebraically (i.e., as a rational function) then it is called quasi-long-range order.

See also

• order-disorder