Statistical field theory for liquid vapor interface
Abstract
A statistical field theory for an inhomogeneous liquid, a planar liquid/vapor interface, is devised from first principles. The grand canonical partition function is represented via a Hubbard-Stratonovitch tranformation leading, close to the critical point, to the usual φ4 scalar field theory which is then rigorously considered at the one-loop level. When further simplified it yields the well-known capillary wave theory without any ad hoc phenomenological parameter. Internal coherence of the one-loop approximation is discussed and good overall qualitative agreement with recent numerical simulations is stressed.
Turn this paper into a lesson
ArcXiv compiles a structured reading guide from this paper's metadata: plain-English importance, contributions, prerequisite concepts, which sections to read first, flashcards, and a quiz. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.