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The 2D effective field theory of interfaces derived from 3D field theory

Paolo Provero·Stefano Vinti
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Abstract

The one--loop determinant computed around the kink solution in the 3D $ϕ^4$ theory, in cylindrical geometry, allows one to obtain the partition function of the interface separating coexisting phases. The quantum fluctuations of the interface around its equilibrium position are described by a $c=1$ two--dimensional conformal field theory, namely a 2D free massless scalar field living on the interface. In this way the capillary wave model conjecture for the interface free energy in its gaussian approximation is proved.

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Paolo Provero, Stefano Vinti. 1995-01-23. The 2D effective field theory of interfaces derived from 3D field theory. https://doi.org/10.1016/0550-3213(95)00109-6

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