An Order Parameter Approach to Coexistence in Atomic Clusters
Jonathan P. K. Doye and David J. Wales
J. Chem. Phys. 102, 9673-9688, (1995)
Abstract
We employ order parameters to investigate the dynamic equilibrium
between the two lowest energy geometric isomers of LJ8,
between permutational isomers of the global minimum of LJ14,
and between solid-like, surface-melted, and liquid-like forms of LJ55.
For LJ55 approximate analytical calculations which use only information
derived from the potential energy surface can accurately model the equilibrium between
the different forms. This approach provides a further illustration of how
different regions of the potential energy surface influence the thermodynamics.
Low-energy transition states are characterised to improve our understanding of
the dynamics in the `surface-melted' phases.
Finally, using a two state model, we consider the size dependence of the
conditions necessary to produce an S-bend (van der Waal's loop)
in the microcanonical caloric curve.
The full article can be obtained from JCP online.
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