Self-Assembly at a Nonequilibrium Critical Point

Stephen Whitelam, Lester O. Hedges, and Jeremy D. Schmit
Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 155504 – Published 17 April 2014
PDFHTMLExport Citation

Abstract

We use analytic theory and computer simulation to study patterns formed during the growth of two-component assemblies in two and three dimensions. We show that these patterns undergo a nonequilibrium phase transition, at a particular growth rate, between mixed and demixed arrangements of component types. This finding suggests that principles of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics can be used to predict the outcome of multicomponent self-assembly, and suggests an experimental route to the self-assembly of multicomponent structures of a qualitatively defined nature.

    • Received 29 October 2013

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.155504

    © 2014 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    Stephen Whitelam1,*, Lester O. Hedges1, and Jeremy D. Schmit2

    • 1Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
    • 2Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA

    • *swhitelam@lbl.gov

    Article Text (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand

    References (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand
    Issue

    Vol. 112, Iss. 15 — 18 April 2014

    Reuse & Permissions
    Access Options
    Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

    Authorization Required


    ×
    ×

    Images

    ×

    Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

    Log In

    Cancel
    ×

    Search


    Article Lookup

    Paste a citation or DOI

    Enter a citation
    ×