Ordering and Dynamics of Vibrated Hard Squares

TL;DR

This study investigates how vibrated hard squares in two dimensions transition through various phases, from isotropic fluid to ordered crystalline states, revealing the interplay of orientation and positional order as density increases.

Contribution

It provides experimental insights into the phase behavior and dynamics of vibrated granular squares, highlighting the emergence of tetratic and crystalline phases with coupled orientational and translational order.

Findings

Identification of a progression from isotropic fluid to tetratic order

Observation of coupling between orientational and bond-orientational order

Detection of a crystalline phase with suppressed translational diffusion

Abstract

We study an experimental system of hard granular squares in two dimensions, energized by vibration. The interplay of order in the orientations and positions of anisotropic particles allows for a rich set of phases. We measure the structure and dynamics of steady states as a function of particle density. This allows us to identify a progression of phases in which a low density isotropic fluid gives way to a phase with tetratic orientational order, short-range translational correlations, and slowed rotational dynamics. In this range of density we also observe a coupling between the molecular orientational order and bond-orientational order. At higher densities, the particles freeze into a translationally and orientationally ordered square crystalline phase in which translational diffusion is suppressed.