Determination of the Order Parameter in Binary Fluid Mixtures

We propose a microscopic approach to the study of phase transitions in fluid mixtures. It is based on the collective variables method with a reference system. The problem of definition of the order parameter in a two-component fluid system is considered in detail. This system is described with two sets of collective variables: _k and _k. It is shown that the CV connected with the order parameter is _k=0 in the case of a gas–liquid critical point as well as in the case of a mixing–demixing phase transition. The relations between the microscopic parameters, temperature, density and concentration which determine the particular form of ₀ for each of these phenomena are obtained. Based on these results we will be able to construct an effective Ginsburg–Landau–Wilson Hamiltonian.