Clustering and assembly dynamics of a one-dimensional microphase former

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Statistical Mechanics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microphases, both ordered and disordered, commonly form in particle suspensions with competing interactions.
• Understanding disordered microphases is key to controlling mesoscale assembly, despite ordered phases being more common material targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the disordered regime of a one-dimensional (1D) system with short-range attraction and long-range repulsion (SALR) interactions.
• To characterize the clustering process and its impact on macroscopic properties.
• To evaluate the efficiency of different simulation algorithms for equilibration dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simplified one-dimensional (1D) SALR model.
• Employed transfer matrix calculations for detailed analysis.
• Conducted Monte Carlo simulations to assess equilibration dynamics.

Main Results:

• Characterized the macroscopic signatures of the clustering process in the disordered regime.
• Found that cluster moves significantly accelerate the mixing time of the system.
• Determined that event chain algorithms offer limited benefits in the clustering regime.

Conclusions:

• Insights into the dynamics of disordered microphases in 1D SALR systems were gained.
• The findings highlight the effectiveness of cluster moves for accelerating equilibration.
• This work provides a foundation for studying three-dimensional microphase formers.