Towards a microscopic theory of phase transitions: residual rays, correlation radii and critical indices

Abstract

Bonds between atoms/molecules of condensed substances must be described within the framework of quantum electrodynamics (QED) as an exchange of virtual photons. Such representation is supported by the known conformity of latent heat with residual infrared (IR) rays and the possibility of latent heat removal by characteristic frequencies. These bonds are virtual if the duration of photons’ formation (their ‘dressing’) τ exceeds the duration of free path in substance ℓ = 1/σ _tot N, i.e. if τ > ℓ/c. It is assumed that reversing this inequality corresponds to bond breakage and phase transitions. With low σ _tot and τ frequencies, it leads to the universal radius of correlations, R _c ∼ ω ^−ν, ν = 2/3, and allows refinement of the Ginzburg–Landau model of phase transitions by expansion of thermodynamic potentials over R _c (instead of temperature distance), which results in the correct system of critical indices. Such a consideration offers an opportunity for the stimulation of definite phase transitions by resonant frequencies.

Acknowledgements

I am deeply indebted to the late academician A. D. Sakharov for active support of the directions of investigation. Critical comments, opinions and support over the years of V. V. Chavchanidze, V. Ya. Fainberg, D. A. Kirzhnits, R. E. Kris, Y. B. Levinson, M. I. Molotsky, E. Pollak, G. M. Rubinstein, M. Tsindlekht and A. Zigler are acknowledged.