Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals

Details Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals

2004-05-12

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0405248v1

Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 018304 (2004).

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

4 pages, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.018304

Freezing of charged colloids on square or triangular two-dimensional periodic substrates has been recently shown to realize a rich variety of orientational orders. We propose a theoretical framework to analyze the corresponding structures. A fundamental ingredient is that a non spherical charged object in an electrolyte creates a screened electrostatic potential that is anisotropic at any distance. Our approach is in excellent agreement with the known experimental and numerical results, and explains in simple terms the reentrant orientational melting observed in these so called colloidal molecular crystals. We also investigate the case of a rectangular periodic substrate and predict an unusual phase transition between orientationnaly ordered states, as the aspect ratio of the unit cell is changed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Theory of orientational ordering in colloidal molecular crystals will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-536184