1 research outputs found
Strong-Coupling Theory for Counter-Ion Distributions
The Poisson-Boltzmann approach gives asymptotically exact counter-ion density
profiles around charged objects in the weak-coupling limit of low valency and
high temperature. In this paper we derive, using field-theoretic methods, a
theory which becomes exact in the opposite limit of strong coupling. Formally,
it corresponds to a standard virial expansion. Long-range divergences, which
render the virial expansion intractable for homogeneous bulk systems, are shown
to be renormalizable for the case of inhomogeneous distribution functions by a
systematic expansion in inverse powers of the coupling parameter. For a planar
charged wall, our analytical results compare quantitatively with extensive
Monte-Carlo simulations.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures; to appear in Europhys. Let