Pattern formation and phase transitions in systems with non-monotonic interaction

Abstract

We analyzed pattern formation and identified different phases in a system of particles interacting through a non-monotonic short-range repulsive (r<r_c) and long-range attractive (r>r_c) potential, using molecular-dynamics simulations. Depending on parameters, the interaction potential models the interparticle interaction in various physical systems ranging from atoms, molecules and colloids to neutron stars and vortices in low-kappa type-II superconductors and in recently discovered "type-1.5" superconductors. We constructed the phase diagram "critical radius r_c - density n" and proposed a new approach to characterization of the phases. Namely, we elaborated a set of quantitative criteria in order to identify the different phases using the Radial Distribution Function (RDF), the local density function, and the occupation factor.

11 pages, 13 figures