Nonequilibrium spin models with Ising universal behaviour

Abstract

The properties of a family of nonequilibrium spin models with up-down symmetry on a square lattice are determined by a mean-field pair approximation and by Monte Carlo simulation. The phase diagram in the parameter space displays a critical line that terminates at a first-order critical point. It is found that the critical exponents are the same as those of the equilibrium Ising model.