Single-file diffusion of colloids in one-dimensional channels

Science. 2000 Jan 28;287(5453):625-7. doi: 10.1126/science.287.5453.625.

Abstract

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.