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arXiv · 2206.01789

Continuum theories of structured dielectrics

Ralf Blossey·Rudolf Podgornik
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Abstract

Aequous dielectrics are ubiquitous in soft- and bio-nano matter systems. The theoretical description of such systems in terms of continuum (`macroscopic') theory remains a serious challenge. In this perspective we first review the existing continuum phenomenological approaches that have been developed in the past decades. In order to describe a path to advance continuum theory beyond these approaches we then take recourse to the Onsager-Dupuis theory of the dielectric behaviour of ice, which, for the case of a solid dielectric, exemplified important conceptual issues we deem relevant for the development of a more fundamental continuum theory of liquid dielectrics. Subsequently, we discuss our recently proposed continuum field theory of structured dielectrics, which provides a generalized approach to the dielectric behavior of such systems.

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Ralf Blossey, Rudolf Podgornik. 2022-06-03. Continuum theories of structured dielectrics. https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075%2Fac7d0a

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