Transitional patterns on a spherical surface: from scars to domain defects of mixed lattices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Investigates mixed hexagonal and square lattice systems on spherical surfaces.
• Focuses on disclination patterns within a square-rich environment.
• Utilizes Hertzian potential energy to model molecular interactions supporting coexisting lattices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and characterize disclination morphologies in mixed lattice systems.
• To identify novel defect structures and their formation mechanisms.
• To determine the energetic favorability of different lattice configurations.

Main Methods:

• Employs molecular dynamics simulations to observe lattice behavior.
• Introduces order parameters to analyze and highlight specific disclination types.
• Uses an elastic energy model to validate energetic preferences.

Main Results:

• Identifies at least four distinct disclination morphologies: triangular defect domains, bridged cubic state, linear scar, and open scar.
• Reports two new morphologies: bridged cubic and open-scar disclinations.
• Demonstrates that the bridged cubic state is energetically preferred over the unbridged cubic state.

Conclusions:

• Mixed hexagonal and square lattices on spheres exhibit complex disclination patterns.
• Bridged and open-scar disclinations represent significant findings in lattice defect research.
• The energetic stability of the bridged state is confirmed, offering insights into lattice formation principles.