Self-assembly at a nonequilibrium critical point

Abstract

We use analytic theory and computer simulation to study patterns formed during the growth of two-component assemblies in two and three dimensions. We show that these patterns undergo a nonequilibrium phase transition, at a particular growth rate, between mixed and demixed arrangements of component types. This finding suggests that principles of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics can be used to predict the outcome of multicomponent self-assembly, and suggests an experimental route to the self-assembly of multicomponent structures of a qualitatively defined nature.