Coulomb-frustrated phase separation phase diagram in systems with short-range negative compressibility

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 Jun 20;100(24):246402. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.246402. Epub 2008 Jun 16.

Abstract

Using numerical techniques and asymptotic expansions we obtain the phase diagram of a paradigmatic model of Coulomb-frustrated phase separation in systems with negative short-range compressibility. The transition from the homogeneous phase to the inhomogeneous phase is generically first order in isotropic three-dimensional systems except for a critical point. Close to the critical point, inhomogeneities are predicted to form a bcc lattice with subsequent transitions to a triangular lattice of rods and a layered structure. Inclusion of a strong anisotropy allows for second- and first-order transition lines joined by a tricritical point.