A computer simulation investigation into the stability of the AB2 superlattice in a binary hard sphere system

Abstract

The thermodynamic stability of the binary hard-sphere AB2 superlattice structure has been confirmed by means of computer simulations. This is consistent with the results of experimental studies of suspensions of hard-sphere colloidal particles. A fit of the Helmholtz free energy surface for the region in phase space where AB2 is found to be stable is presented, together with results for the c/a ratio of this hexagonal crystal.