Light Induced Melting of Colloidal Crystals in Two Dimensions
Abstract
We demonstrate that particles confined to two dimensions (2d) and subjected to a one-dimensional (1d) periodic potential exhibit a rich phase diagram, with both ``locked floating solids'' and smectic phases. The resulting phases and phase transitions are studied as a function of temperature and potential strength. We find reentrant melting as a function of the potential strength. Our results lead to universal predictions consistent with recent experiments on 2d colloids in the presence of a laser-induced 1d periodic potential.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.