arXiv · cond-mat/9702140
Sine-Gordon mean field theory of a Coulomb Gas
Abstract
Sine-Gordon field theory is used to investigate the phase diagram of a neutral Coulomb gas. A variational mean field free energy is constructed and the corresponding phase diagrams in two (2d) and three dimensions (3d) are obtained. When analyzed in terms of chemical potential, the Sine-Gordon theory predicts the phase diagram topologically identical with the Monte Carlo simulations and a recently developed Debye-Hückel-Bjerrum (DHBj) theory. In 2d we find that the infinite order Kosterlitz-Thouless line terminates in a tricritical point, after which the metal-insulator transition becomes first order. However, when the transformation from chemical potential to the density is made the whole of the insulating phase is mapped onto zero density.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Alexandre Diehl, Marcia C. Barbosa, Yan Levin. 1997-02-14. Sine-Gordon mean field theory of a Coulomb Gas. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.56.619
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.