# Strong-segregation limit of the self-consistent field theory for diblock copolymer melts

Matsen, M. W. (2010) Strong-segregation limit of the self-consistent field theory for diblock copolymer melts. European Physical Journal E, 33 (4). pp. 297-306. ISSN 1292-8941

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The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) introduced by Helfand for diblock copolymer melts is expected to converge to the strong-segregation theory (SST) of Semenov in the asymptotic limit, $\chi N \rightarrow \infty$. However, past extrapolations of the lamellar/cylinder and cylinder/sphere phase boundaries, within the standard unit-cell approximation, have cast some doubts on whether or not this is actually true. Here we push the comparison further by extending the SCFT calculations to $\chi N = 512,000$, by accounting for exclusion zones in the coronae of the cylindrical and spherical unit cells, and by examining finite-segregation corrections to SST. In doing so, we provide the first compelling evidence that SCFT does indeed reduce to SST.