Self-assembling systems in restricted geometry

Results obtained within Ciach-Hoye-Stell model of oir-water-surfactant mixt ures in restricted geometry are reviewed. Special attention is paid to orde ring effects of a surface (or two parallel surfaces) close to phase boundar ies between lamellar and microemulsion or water-rich phases. Relations betw een the structure of the confined self-assembling system and the measurable quantities are discussed. Predictions of the Ciach-Hoye-Stell model are co mpared with Landau-Ginzburg and membrane theories and with experimental res ults.