
Title: Wetting and nonwetting in fluid mixtures: classical and quantum
Abstract: Wetting and wetting phase transitions are, particularly in the last 5 decades, of great interest to physicists, applied mathematicians, chemical physicists, materials scientists, … One pedagogical way to introduce the topic, and also the fastest way to arrive at intriguing recent results, is to explain the Neumann triangle and the paradigm of critical-point wetting, which I will do. The distinction between wetting and nonwetting is at the heart of many practical applications, but, remarkably, it is also of very active current fundamental interest. We discuss the phase transition from nonwetting to wetting in two settings: classical fluid mixtures near room temperature and mixtures of Bose-Einstein condensed dilute (quantum) gases at zero kelvin. The upshot is that critical-point wetting is optional rather than necessary and that a paradigm shift is inescapable.
Note: This seminar will be happening in-person only.
Location: Huxley 139, 3-4pm.