Critical effects at 3D wedge wetting

Citation
Ao. Parry et al., Critical effects at 3D wedge wetting, PHYS REV L, 85(2), 2000, pp. 345-348
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
85
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
345 - 348
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(20000710)85:2<345:CEA3WW>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
We show that continuous filling transitions are possible in 3D wedge geomet ries made from substrates exhibiting first-order wetting transitions, and d evelop a fluctuation theory yielding a complete classification of the criti cal behavior. Our fluctuation theory is based on the derivation of a Ginzbu rg criterion for filling and also on an exact transfer-matrix analysis of a novel effective Hamiltonian that we propose as a model for wedge fluctuati on effects. The influence of interfacial fluctuations is very strong and, i n particular, leads to a remarkable universal divergence of the interfacial roughness xi(perpendicular to) similar to (T-F - T)(-1/4) on approaching t he filling temperature T-F, valid for all possible types of intermolecular forces.