Colloidal Crystals - An Analog Molecular Dynamic Computer
29 February 1988
Colloidal suspensions of uniform highly charged micron-sized polystyrene spheres are ideal for the study of complex phase-transformation behavior in condensed matter as the time and distance scales of the system are readily experimentally accessible. We have observed a number of different ordered phases of the colloids in three dimensions and in thin slabs. We have also observed surface reconstructions on 3D crystals. Colloidal systems can be studied by diffraction of visible light as well as optical microscopy. In addition, by digitizing real-space images of the colloid, individual particle motions can be followed in real time so that the system can be used as an "analog molecular dynamics computer" with far larger samples and longer equilibration times possible than actual computer simulations. A videotape will be shown.