Like-charge colloidal attraction: a simple argument

Abstract

By a length scale analysis, we study the equilibrium interactions between two like-charge planes confining neutralising counter-ions. At large Coulombic couplings, approaching the two charged bodies leads to an unbinding of counter-ions, a situation that is amenable to an exact treatment. This phenomenon is the key to attractive effective interactions. A particular effort is made for pedagogy, keeping equations and formalism to a minimum.