The Allen–Cahn action functional in higher dimensions
Matthias Röger
Technische Universität Dortmund, GermanyLuca Mugnai
Mathematik in den Naturwissenschaften, Leipzig, Germany

Abstract
The Allen--Cahn action functional is related to the probability of rare events in the stochastically perturbed Allen--Cahn equation. Formal calculations suggest a \emph{reduced action functional} in the sharp interface limit. We prove the corresponding lower bound in two and three space dimensions. One difficulty is that diffuse interfaces may collapse in the limit. We therefore consider the limit of diffuse surface area measures and introduce a generalized velocity and generalized reduced action functional in a class of evolving measures.
Cite this article
Matthias Röger, Luca Mugnai, The Allen–Cahn action functional in higher dimensions. Interfaces Free Bound. 10 (2008), no. 1, pp. 45–78
DOI 10.4171/IFB/179