Colloidal crystallization dynamics

At sufficiently strong interparticle interaction, colloidal particles may form ordered crystalline arrays much in analogy to atomic systems. Well characterized model colloidal suspensions have therefore become valuable model systems for the study of the kinetics of crystal nucleation, growth and ripening. Significant progress has been made in this area throughout the past few years. Precise control of interaction parameters and new instrumental developments have allowed for quantitative determination of nucleation rate densities and growth velocities in monodisperse ‘hard’ and ‘soft sphere’ systems. Results confirm classical theories of nucleation and growth adapted to colloidal systems. The current emphasis of research is on modifications to the ideal scenario leading to a deeper qualitative understanding of underlying microscopic mechanisms.