Single-file diffusion and kinetics of template assisted assembly of colloids

TL;DR

This study uses computer simulations to explore how particles organize on a patterned surface, revealing a re-entrant phase transition and domain growth behaviors influenced by single-file motion and defect dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of single-file diffusion in the kinetics of template-assisted colloid assembly and characterizes the phase transition behavior in a two-dimensional system.

Findings

Re-entrant liquid-solid-liquid phase transition observed.

Domain growth follows a power law with exponent ~1/4, indicating single-file dynamics.

Late-time behavior suggests a crossover in growth dynamics.

Abstract

We report computer simulation studies of the kinetics of ordering of a two dimensional system of particles on a template with a one dimensional periodic pattern. In equilibrium one obtains a re-entrant liquid-solid-liquid phase transition as the strength of the substrate potential is varied. We show that domains of crystalline order grow as $\sim t^{1/z}$, with $z \sim 4$ with a possible cross-over to $z \sim 2$ at late times. We argue that the $t^{1/4}$ law originates from {\em single-file} motion and annihilation of defect pairs of opposite topological charge along channels created by the template.