Quantitative Theory for Critical Conditions of Like-Charge Attraction Between Polarizable Spheres

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Duan, Yanyu, Gan, Zecheng
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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_version_ 1866913746832588800
author Duan, Yanyu
Gan, Zecheng
author_facet Duan, Yanyu
Gan, Zecheng
contents Despite extensive experimental and theoretical efforts, a concise quantitative theory to predict the occurrence of like-charge attraction (LCA) between polarizable spheres remains elusive. In this work, we first derive a novel three-point image formula, based on a key observation that connects the classical Neumann's image principle with the incomplete beta function. This approach naturally yields simple yet precise critical conditions for LCA, with a relative discrepancy of less than $1\%$ compared to numerical simulations, validated across diverse parameter settings. The obtained critical conditions may provide physical insights into various processes potentially involving LCA, such as self-assembly, crystallization, and phase separation across different length scales. Additionally, the new image formula is directly applicable to enhance the efficiency of polarizable force field calculations involving polarizable spheres.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2501_10516
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Quantitative Theory for Critical Conditions of Like-Charge Attraction Between Polarizable Spheres
Duan, Yanyu
Gan, Zecheng
Soft Condensed Matter
Chemical Physics
70E50
Despite extensive experimental and theoretical efforts, a concise quantitative theory to predict the occurrence of like-charge attraction (LCA) between polarizable spheres remains elusive. In this work, we first derive a novel three-point image formula, based on a key observation that connects the classical Neumann's image principle with the incomplete beta function. This approach naturally yields simple yet precise critical conditions for LCA, with a relative discrepancy of less than $1\%$ compared to numerical simulations, validated across diverse parameter settings. The obtained critical conditions may provide physical insights into various processes potentially involving LCA, such as self-assembly, crystallization, and phase separation across different length scales. Additionally, the new image formula is directly applicable to enhance the efficiency of polarizable force field calculations involving polarizable spheres.
title Quantitative Theory for Critical Conditions of Like-Charge Attraction Between Polarizable Spheres
topic Soft Condensed Matter
Chemical Physics
70E50
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.10516