Electron stabilisation of high-density fluctuations-mercury and the heavy rare gases

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A simple model for a dilute gas of electrons interacting with a fluid of neutral atoms is examined. The conditions under which the electrons will stabilise certain density fluctuations of the fluid in thermal equilibrium are sought. The model is applied to mercury and the heavy rare gases (Xe, Kr, Ar) where the stabilisation of higher-than-average density fluctuations due to electron localisation might be expected. The calculations support the expectations (except in the case of Ar) for certain average-density-temperature regimes in the general neighbourhood of the vapour-liquid critical point. Indications are given of the improvements required in the simple model and of the qualitative effects of such improvements on the calculated results. Interpretations of experimental data are briefly discussed.