Pattern formation by interacting particles on the surface of a sphere

Abstract

We consider a system of particles constrained to move on the surface of a sphere with radii ranging from 4 to 100 molecular diameters. The particles interact via a long-range spherically symmetric pair potential. Results from Monte Carlo simulations of this quasi-two-dimensional finite system show clusters and different molecular pattern formation at different surface densities and temperatures. We compare this promising approach with previous results from an infinite bidimensional system with short-range attractive and long-range repulsive particle interactions.

Keywords:

• Monte Carlo
• confined system
• cluster formation
• strip structure

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Dr. Luis Pugnaloni for facilitating the program on the evaluation of the distribution of clusters. This work was partially supported by Universidad Nacional de La Plata and CICPBA. G.J.Z. is a member of ‘Carrera del Investigador Científico’, CICPBA.