Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
Spin-1 aggregation model in one dimension
1Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Abstract:
We studied a simple model of aggregation in one dimension that resembles the self-assembly of amphiphiles in an aqueous solution. We mapped the water and amphiphilic molecules by Ising spin variables for S=1. The zero component of spin represents the water molecules, while the remaining components (+/-1) account for the amphiphilic molecules. We defined an aggregate in one dimension by a set of spin components (+/-1) placed between two zero spin components. There is no difference between up and down components of the spins inside the aggregates. In this way what really matters is the square of the spin component. The grand-canonical partition function and the probability of formation of different aggregate sizes were calculated by the transfer matrix method. We have shown that for any value of the chemical potential and temperature, the system does not exhibit the typical aggregate size distribution which is observed in micellar solutions at low concentrations. The distribution curve for the aggregate size does not show the minimum and the maximum as a function of the concentration which is the signature of the appearance of micelles. We can say that this one-dimensional model does not present any phase transition nor a transition from the micellar to nonmicellar state.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must have a...
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
Maximum Size of Aggregate

