Giant SALR cluster reproduction,with implications for their chemical evolution

ABSTRACT

Particles with SALR (short-range attraction and long-range repulsion) interactions are common to many physical systems, especially biological and soft matter, yet their behaviour is still not completely understood. Using Monte Carlo simulations and a thermodynamic model, it is shown here that giant SALR clusters can grow and reproduce in these fluids. Giant cluster growth and reproduction should therefore be common to a wide range of natural and synthetic systems under suitable conditions. If, in addition, cluster fitness selection occurs then chemical evolution of giant SALR cluster might be observed in suitable systems.