Kinetics of First-Order Phase Transitions in Condensed Systems

The kinetics of first-order phase transitions – nucleation, independent cluster growth, and Ostwald ripening – in condensed systems is analysed based on the numerical solution of a Fokker-Planck equation for the cluster size distribution function. Particular attention is directed to the investigation of the transition period between independent growth and Ostwald ripening. An unexpected temporary slowing down of the growth rate of the mean cluster size is observed in this region and the parameter range for its occurrence is calculated. Moreover, a new analytic expression for the time evolution of the mean cluster radius for the period of nucleation and independent growth is developed. It is in good agreement with the numerical results.