title: Nucleation of ordered phases in block copolymers.
abstract: Nucleation of various ordered phases in block copolymers is studied by examining the free-energy landscape within the self-consistent field theory. The minimum energy path (MEP) connecting two ordered phases is computed using a recently developed string method. The shape, size, and free-energy barrier of critical nuclei are obtained from the MEP, providing information about the emergence of a stable ordered phase from a metastable phase. In particular, structural evolution of embryonic gyroid nucleus is predicted to follow two possible MEPs, revealing an interesting transition pathway with an intermediate perforated layered structure.
authors.affiliation: School of Mathematical Sciences and The Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
authors.forename: Xiuyuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Weinan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: E
authors.forename: Pingwen
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: An-Chang
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Shi