Self Assembly of Colloidal Particles at Small $N$

ORAL

Abstract

We confine a small number ($N\approx10$) of micron-sized colloidal particles within micro-wells, and we use this finite system to study the process of self-assembly. The reversible aggregation of colloidal particles is controlled by a short-range depletion attraction, which is induced by poly($N$-isopropylacrylamide) nano particles. We use digital holographic microscopy to monitor the structural and kinetic properties of self-assembled colloidal clusters, and we use micro-wells to collect ensemble statistics. We compare our experimental results with theory and simulations, which probe how energetics and kinetics affect the packing structures.

–

Authors

  • Guangnan Meng

    • Harvard University

  • Natalie Arkus

    • Harvard University

  • Ryan McGorty

    • Harvard University

  • Michael Brenner

    • Harvard University

  • Vinothan Manoharan

    • Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
    • Harvard University
    • Harvard University, Department of Physics and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
    • Harvard University, Dept. of Physics
    • Harvard University, SEAS
    • Department of Physics, SEAS, Harvard University
    • Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences