Abstract
We present a direct method for solving the inverse problem of designing isotropic potentials that cause self-assembly into target lattices. Each potential is constructed by matching its energy spectrum to the reciprocal representation of the lattice to guarantee that the desired structure is a ground state. We use the method to self-assemble complex lattices not previously achieved with isotropic potentials, such as a snub square tiling and the kagome lattice. The latter is especially interesting because it provides the crucial geometric frustration in several proposed spin liquids.
- Received 26 May 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.085503
© 2011 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Designer lattices
Published 15 August 2011
A theoretical approach shows how particles need to be designed such that they self-assemble into a particular structure.
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