Block Copolymers in High-Frequency Electric Field: Mean-Field Approximation

The problem of self-assembly in a block copolymer melt placed in a high-frequency AC field is addressed. It is assumed that the melt is a dielectric medium that transforms into a new ordered state under exposure to the external field. The mean-field approach is used as a theoretical description method. It is shown that in the zero approximation the impact of the AC electric field on the melt is equivalent to the impact of the DC electric field with the squared strength equal to the constant component of the AC electric field strength squared. In addition, in the first approximation relative to the electric field oscillation period melt elements perform small oscillations about a new position of equilibrium with the double electric field frequency.