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Formation kinetics of magnetic chains, rings, X's, and Y's

Peter D. Duncan·Philip J. Camp
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Abstract

The kinetics of aggregation in a monolayer of magnetic particles are studied using stochastic dynamics computer simulations. At low densities (<8% coverage) the equilibrium structure is made up of chains and rings; the primary mechanisms by which these motifs form are described. At higher densities (>15% coverage), we observe large transient concentrations of Y-shaped and X-shaped defects that ultimately give way to an extended, labyrinthine network. Our results suggest that a defect mechanism -- such as that proposed by Tlusty and Safran, Science 290, 1328 (2000) -- could drive a metastable phase separation in two dimensions.

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Peter D. Duncan, Philip J. Camp. 2006-03-09. Formation kinetics of magnetic chains, rings, X's, and Y's. https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0603268

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