arXiv · cond-mat/0603229
Bond-orientational Order in Melting of Colloidal Crystals
Abstract
Using Brownian dynamics simulation, we study the orientational order in melting transition of colloidal systems with $'$soft$'$ Yukawa potential. The bond-orientational order parameter $Φ_{6}$ and the bond-orientational order function $g_B(r)$ are calculated in two-dimensional systems. It is found that a two-stage transition and the hexatic phase are indeed existent in two-dimensional melitng, which is consistent with the prediction of the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young theory. For comparing with the melting process in three-dimensional systems, the probability distribution of single-particle local order parameter is introduced. Based on the extensive simulations, it is qualitatively suggested that the breakdown of local order only occurs on the fractional part of the colloidal systems for the two-dimensional melting, but in three-dimensional melting, this breakdown takes place on the whole systems at the same time.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Xin Qi, Yong Chen, Yan Jin, Yao-Hui Yang. 2006-10-09. Bond-orientational Order in Melting of Colloidal Crystals. https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0603229
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.