Phase transition

Mathematics

Computer science

Theoretical physics

Quantum mechanics

Polygon (computer graphics)

Condensed matter physics

Composite material

Set (abstract data type)

Range (aeronautics)

Telecommunications

Statistical physics

Phase (matter)

Symmetry (geometry)

Geometry

Materials science

Programming language

Physics

Frame (networking)

Physical Review X

Not much is known about what shapes of molecules lead to an $x$-atic phase, an exotic phase of two-dimensional matter that shares properties of both fluids and solids. A new set of simulations investigates the behavior of a range of polygon-shaped particles and shows how body symmetry influences these phase transitions.

Shape and Symmetry Determine Two-Dimensional Melting Transitions of Hard Regular Polygons