Universality for 2D Wedge Wetting

TL;DR

This paper provides an exact analysis of 2D wedge wetting phenomena using a continuum interfacial Hamiltonian, revealing universal critical behaviors and classifying different filling transitions.

Contribution

It introduces an exact transfer-matrix solution for arbitrary binding potentials, enabling complete classification of critical behaviors in 2D wedge wetting.

Findings

Critical filling exhibits universal fluctuation-dominated exponents.

Complete filling is governed by geometric factors, not fluctuations.

The study extends to interface depinning from defect lines.

Abstract

We study 2D wedge wetting using a continuum interfacial Hamiltonian model which is solved by transfer-matrix methods. For arbitrary binding potentials, we are able to exactly calculate the wedge free-energy and interface height distribution function and, thus, can completely classify all types of critical behaviour. We show that critical filling is characterized by strongly universal fluctuation dominated critical exponents, whilst complete filling is determined by the geometry rather than fluctuation effects. Related phenomena for interface depinning from defect lines in the bulk are also considered.