title: Communication: The cluster vapor to cluster solid transition.
abstract: Until now, depletion induced transitions have been the hallmark of multicomponent systems only. Monte Carlo simulations reveal a depletion-induced phase transition from cluster vapor to cluster solid in a one-component fluid with competing short range and long range interactions. This confirms a prediction made by earlier theoretical work. Analysis of renormalized cluster-cluster and cluster-vapor interactions suggests that a cluster liquid is also expected within a very narrow range of model parameters. These insights could help identify the mechanisms of clustering in experiments and assist the design of colloidal structures through engineered self-assembly.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials and Processes, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Martin B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Sweatman
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lue