Application of the Spatial Distribution Function to Colloidal Ordering

16 September 2019, Version 1
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

2D colloidal assembly is a vital process in the fabrication of nanostructured devices and remains of widespread interest in fundamental research. Characterising the ordering is crucial to develop an understanding of the driving forces behind the assembly and to optimise processing conditions. Image analysis offers a direct evaluation pathway, typically via the radial distribution function or the 2D-fast Fourier transform. Both methods have inherent limitations; the former provides no angular dependence while the latter is challenged when confronted with imperfection on the mean size, spacing and coverage of the building blocks. Here, we introduce the 2D spatial distribution function (SDF) as an alternative pathway to evaluate colloidal ordering. We benchmark the method in case studies of prominent examples and provide a tool-kit for implementation, either as imageJ plugin or standalone software. Application and interpretation is straightforward and particularly powerful to analyse and compare colloidal assemblies with limited order.

Keywords

2D
Self-Assembly
Colloids
Colloidal Ordering
Radial Distribution Function
Spatial Distribution Function
Soft Matter

Supplementary materials

Title
Description
Actions
Title
SI SDF MacFhionnlaoich et al submitted
Description
Actions
Title
SDF PlugIn
Description
Actions

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