Equilibrium Configurations and Energetics of Point Defects in Two-Dimensional Colloidal Crystals

Journal Article · Mon Aug 27 00:00:00 EDT 2001 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.098303· OSTI ID:40277498

Pertsinidis, Alexandros; Ling, X S

We demonstrate a novel method of introducing point defects (mono- and divacancies) in a confined monolayer colloidal crystal by manipulating individual particles with optical tweezers. Digital video microscopy is used to study defect dynamics in real space and time. We verify the numerical predictions that the stable configurations of the defects have reduced symmetry compared to the triangular lattice and discover that in addition they are characterized by distinct topological arrangements of the particles in the defect core. Surprisingly, point defects are thermally excited into separated dislocations, from which we extract the dislocation pair potential.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40277498
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 87, Issue 9; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.098303; Othernumber: PRLTAO000087000009098303000001; 029135PRL; PBD: 27 Aug 2001; ISSN 0031-9007
• Publisher: The American Physical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
DEFECTS
DISLOCATIONS
MICROSCOPY
POINT DEFECTS
SYMMETRY