Amplitude ratios and the approach to bulk criticality in parallel plate geometries

Abstract

We present analytical and numerical results for the specific heat and susceptibility amplitude ratios in parallel plate geometries. The results are derived using field-theoretic techniques suitable to describe the system in the bulk limit, i.e., (L/ξ±)≫ 1, where L is the distance between the plates and ξ± is the correlation length above (+) and below (-) the bulk critical temperature. Advantages and drawbacks of our method are discussed in the light of other approaches previously reported in the literature.