Percolation transitions and wetting transitions in stochastic models

Stochastic models with irreversible elementary processes are introduced, and their macroscopic behaviors in the infinite-time and infinite-volume limits are studied extensively, in order to discuss nonequilibrium stationary states and phase transitions. The Domany-Kinzel model is a typical example of such an irreversible particle system. We first review this model, and explain that in a certain parameter region, the nonequilibrium phase transitions it exhibits can be identified with directed percolation transitions on the spatio-temporal plane. We then introduce an interacting particle system ...