Self-diffusion of rodlike viruses through smectic layers.
We report the direct visualization at the scale of single particles of mass transport between smectic layers, also called permeation, in a suspension of rodlike viruses. Self-diffusion takes place preferentially in the direction normal to the smectic layers, and occurs by quasiquantized steps of one rod length. The diffusion rate corresponds with the rate calculated from the diffusion in the nematic state with a lamellar periodic ordering potential that is obtained experimentally.
Lettinga
M Paul
MP
IFF, Institut Weiche Materie, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425, Jülich, Germany.
Grelet
Eric
E
D016880:Anisotropy; D017104:Bacteriophage M13 / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D004058:Diffusion; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D008857:Microscopy, Interference / Q000379:methods; D009994:Osmolar Concentration
D003102:Colloids