Phase transitions in two-dimensional model colloids in a one-dimensional external potential

TL;DR

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to explore phase transitions in two-dimensional colloids under a one-dimensional periodic potential, identifying three distinct phases and mapping their transitions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed phase diagram for colloids in a 1D external potential, confirming the existence of three phases through simulation and statistical analysis.

Findings

Identification of three phases: modulate liquid, locked smectic, locked floating solid

Phase diagram mapping of transitions between phases

Agreement with experimental and analytical studies

Abstract

Two-dimensional melting transitions for model colloids in presence of a one-dimensional external periodic potential are investigated using Monte Carlo simulation and Finite Size Scaling techniques. Here we explore a hard disk system with commensurability ratio $p=\sqrt{3}a_s/(2d)=2$, where $a_s$ is the mean distance between the disks and $d$ the period of the external potential. Three phases, the modulate liquid, the locked smectic and the locked floating solid are observed, in agreement with other experimental and analytical studies. Various statistical quantities like order parameters, their cumulants and response functions, are used to obtain a phase diagram for the transitions between these three phases.