Coulombic systems in mean-field and beyond

20 January 2016
20th January 2016
Contatti: 
Dipartimento di Fisica, Segreteria
via Sommarive, 14 - 38123 Povo (Trento)
Tel. 
+39 0461 281504 - 1575 - 2042 - 1545
Fax 
+39 0461 281696

At 14.30
Venue: Polo Scientifico Tecnologico Fabio Ferrari – Aula A204

  • Prof. Henri Orland, Institut de Physique Théorique IPhT Commissariat à l'énergie atomique CEA
    CNRS, France

Abstract:

I will show how ionic solutions can be studied within a mean-field approximation (Poisson-Boltzmann theory) and how one can introduce the discrete nature of the ions and of the water molecules through a field-theoretical formalism. Some applications to biological systems, such as the solvation of proteins or the prediction of SAXS profiles, will be discussed. Mean-field methods are valid in weak coupling. In the case of strong coupling (low temperature, highly charged systems, etc) where mean-field breaks down, I will show how one can go beyond Poisson-Boltzmann, either by a loop expansion, or by Monte Carlo methods.

Scientific Coordinator:
Bruno Giacomazzo

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