Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries

Details Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries

2004-07-15

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0407392v2

J. Stat. Mech. (2004) P08006

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

25 pages, 2 figures

Scientific paper

10.1088/1742-5468/2004/08/P08006

We study the electrostatic Casimir effect and related phenomena in equilibrium statistical mechanics of classical (non-quantum) charged fluids. The prototype model consists of two identical dielectric slabs in empty space (the pure Casimir effect) or in the presence of an electrolyte between the slabs. In the latter case, it is generally believed that the long-ranged Casimir force due to thermal fluctuations in the slabs is screened by the electrolyte into some residual short-ranged force. The screening mechanism is based on a "separation hypothesis": thermal fluctuations of the electrostatic field in the slabs can be treated separately from the pure image effects of the "inert" slabs on the electrolyte particles. In this paper, by using a phenomenological approach under certain conditions, the separation hypothesis is shown to be valid. The phenomenology is tested on a microscopic model in which the conducting slabs and the electrolyte are modelled by the symmetric Coulomb gases of point-like charges with different particle fugacities. The model is solved in the high-temperature Debye-H\"uckel limit (in two and three dimensions) and at the free fermion point of the Thirring representation of the two-dimensional Coulomb gas. The Debye-H\"uckel theory of a Coulomb gas between dielectric walls is also solved.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Screening of classical Casimir forces by electrolytes in semi-infinite geometries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-570432