Single-file diffusion and kinetics of template-assisted assembly of colloids.

We report computer simulation studies of the kinetics of ordering of a two-dimensional system of particles on a template with a one-dimensional periodic pattern. In equilibrium, one obtains a reentrant liquid-solid-liquid phase transition as the strength of the substrate potential is varied. We show that domains of crystalline order grow as ~t(1/z), with z~4, with a possible crossover to z~2 at late times. We argue that the t(1/4) law originates from single-file motion and annihilation of defect pairs of opposite topological charge along channels created by the template.