The microscopic role of deformation in the dynamics of soft colloids

摘要: Soft colloids enable the exploration of states with densities exceeding that random close packing, but it remains unclear whether softness controls the dynamics under these dense conditions. Experimental studies have reported conflicting results, and numerical so far focused primarily on simple models allow particles to overlap, neglect particle deformations. This makes concept in simulations experiments difficult compare. Here, we propose a model system consisting polymer rings internal elasticity. At high packing fractions, displays compressed exponential decay intermediate scattering functions super-diffusive behaviour mean-squared displacements. These features are explained terms complex interplay between deformations dynamic heterogeneities, which gives rise persistent motion ballistic particles. We also observe striking variation relaxation times increasing softness, clearly demonstrating crucial role deformation realistic soft colloids. Simulations comprising elasticity reveal key for controlling microscopic dynamics soft