Phenomenological theories of globular microemulsions

Simple phenomenological theory of noninteracting microemulsion water droplets dispersed in an oil phase (or vice versa) is presented. Several characteristics quantities such as radii, polydispersities, shape fluctuation amplitudes and interfacial tensions are evaluated. In particular, the different features of a one phase microemulsion and a two phase coexistence of the microemulsion with an excess water phase are emphasized. We discuss the relations to most existent theories of microemulsion droplets, micelles and nucleating droplets and briefly review recent experimental techniques to access the relevant parameters.