Self-assembling two-dimensional quasicrystals in simple systems of monodisperse soft-core disks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that monodisperse, isotropic soft-core disks can self-assemble into complex two-dimensional quasicrystals, including dodecagonal and octagonal types, without requiring multiple length scales or anisotropic interactions.

Contribution

It reveals the novel self-assembly of quasicrystals from simple, isotropic particles, challenging previous assumptions about the complexity needed for quasicrystal formation.

Findings

Self-assembly of dodecagonal and octagonal quasicrystals in soft-core disks.

Particles tend to form pentagons as fundamental elements.

Quasicrystals form without multiple length scales or anisotropic interactions.

Abstract

In previous approaches to form quasicrystals, multiple competing length scales involved in particle size, shape or interaction potential are believed to be necessary. It is unexpected that quasicrystals can be self-assembled by monodisperse, isotropic particles interacting via a simple potential without multiple length scales. Here we report the surprising finding of the self-assembly of such quasicrystals in two dimensional systems of soft-core disks interacting via repulsions. We find not only dodecagonal but also octagonal quasicrystals, which have not been found yet in soft quasicrystals. In the self-assembly of such unexpected quasicrystals, particles tend to form pentagons, which are essential elements to form the quasicrystalline order. Our findings pave an unexpected and simple way to form quasicrystals and pose a new challenge for theoretical understanding of quasicrystals.