(191b) Self-Assembly of Imperfect Tetrahedra

Recent computational studies have predicted that hard, perfect tetrahedra can self-assemble into a complex quasicrystalline phase at intermediate packing fractions[1]. Here we investigate the robustness of this phase for "imperfect" tetrahedra. Using Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics computer simulations, we investigate the conditions of polydispersity, particle "hardness", and other imperfections on the formation of this novel structure, and provide guidance for experiments seeking to make colloidal quasicrystals.

[1] Haji-Akbari, A., Engel, M., Keys, A. S., Zheng, X., Petschek, R. G., Palffy-Muhoray, P., Glotzer, S. C.. Nature, 462 (2009)