The effect of finite size on the late-stage ordering process is analyzed for the case of a nonconserved order parameter in d dimensions. The detailed form of the finite-size scaling function of the nonequilibrium structure factor is obtained analytically. The crossover from the bulk behavior to the strongly finite-size regime is discussed for d=2. The result is in qualitative agreement with recent Monte Carlo simulation data of the kinetic Ising model.

• Received 29 April 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.38.11547