Similarities and contrasts between critical point behavior of heavy fluid alkalis and d-dimensional Ising model

A brief summary is first given of recent progress in establishing the near-critical point behavior of the fluid alkalis Rb and Cs. Departure from the law of Rectilinear Diameters is emphasized, along with its consequences for theories emphasizing homogeneity and scaling. The behavior as the critical points of Rb and Cs are approached is compared and contrasted with the d-dimensional Ising model. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.