Abstract
The universal scaling function of the fine-size contribution to the free energy of O(N) symmetric systems confined between two parallel plates at distance L is calculatd by field-theoretical methods close to and for five different boundary conditions. The asymptotic behavior for large L of the specific heat at b is computed explicitly, thus allowing quantitative experimental tests. We discuss the implications of our results for surface forces and wetting films. Universal amplitudes for the surface free energy are also presented.
- Received 29 November 1990
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.66.345
©1991 American Physical Society