Matching rules from Al-Co potentials in an almost realistic model

Abstract

We consider a model decagonal quasicrystal of composition Al${}_{80.1}$Co${}_{19.9}$ -- closely related to actual structures, and using realistic pair potentials -- on a quasilattice of candidate sites. Its ground state, according to simulations, is a Hexagon-Boat-Star tiling satisfying Penrose's matching rules. In this note, we rationalize these results in terms of the potentials; the Al-Co second-neighbor potential well is crucial.

4 pp, 2 figures, for Intl. Conf. Quasicrystals ICQ10, to appear Z. Krist