title: From lumps to lattices: crystallized clusters made simple.
abstract: Using a minimal model based on the continuum theory of a two-dimensional hard-core/square-shoulder ensemble, we reinterpret the main features of cluster mesophases formed by colloids with soft shoulder-like repulsive interactions. We rederive the lattice spacing, the binding energy, and the phase diagram. We also extend the clustering criterion [Likos, C. N. et al. Phys. Rev. E, 2001, 63, 031206; Glaser, M. A. et al. EPL2007, 78, 46004] to include the effect of the hard cores, which precludes the formation of clusters at small densities.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. primoz.ziherl@ijs.si
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ziherl
authors.forename: Randall D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Kamien