Physical properties of two-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional systems

Authors

  • J. D. Hernández Velázquez Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Ecatepec
  • A. Gama Goicochea Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Ecatepec

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31349/RevMexFis.71.061702

Keywords:

line tension; topological phase transitions; scaling and criticality; quasi-two-dimensional systems; dissipative particle dynamics

Abstract

A short review of some recent works on the similarities and differences in the physics of two-dimensional (2D) and quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) systems by mesoscale models is presented. Three different case studies are reported: (a) two immiscible liquids, (b) a low density, classic Coulomb gas, and (c) dense polymer melts; all of which are under highly confined, Q2D geometry. Among our leading results are the following: the line tension of Q2D systems displays the same scaling exponent as the strictly 2D case. The Q2D Coulomb gas undergoes a topological phase transition closely related to the 2D Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, although important differences arise. Lastly, a scaling law for polymer melts in Q2D is proposed and tested, showing that the structure of the melt goes through fractal transitions with increasing concentration. In addition to the novelty of the results reported here and to their agreement with established theories and experimental data, this work highlights the usefulness of Q2D models to test known and underexplored physical phenomena expected for strictly 2D systems, which are never truly achieved in nature.

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2025-11-01

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[1]
J. D. Hernández Velázquez and A. Gama Goicochea, “Physical properties of two-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional systems”, Rev. Mex. Fís., vol. 71, no. 6 Nov-Dec, pp. 061702 1–, Nov. 2025.

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Vol. 71 No. 6 Nov-Dec (2025): Revista Mexicana de Física

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17 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

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