First-order transition in the one-dimensional three-state Potts model with long-range interactions

The first-order phase transition in the three-state Potts model with long-range interactions decaying as \(1/r^{1+\sigma}\) has been examined by numerical simulations using recently proposed Luijten-Bl\"ote algorithm. By applying scaling arguments to the interface free energy, the Binder's fourth-order cumulant, and the specific heat maximum, the change in the character of the transition through variation of parameter \(\sigma\) was studied.