Single-File Diffusion of Colloids in One-Dimensional Channels
Q.-H. Wei,
*
C. Bechinger,
*
P. Leiderer
Single-file diffusion, prevalent in many processes,
refers to the restricted motion of interacting particles in narrow
micropores with the mutual passage excluded. A single-filing system was
developed by confining colloidal spheres in one-dimensional circular
channels of micrometer scale. Optical video microscopy study shows
evidence that the particle self-diffusion is non-Fickian for long
periods of time. In particular, the distribution of particle
displacement is a Gaussian function.
Faculty of Physics, University of Konstanz, Postfach M676, D-78457
Konstanz, Germany.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
qwei+@pitt.edu (Q.-H.W.) and
clemens.bechinger{at}uni-konstanz.de (C.B.)
Present address: Department of Physics and Astronomy,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.