Electric field–induced criticality and frequency responsive dynamics of charged rods

Abstract

We use the suspensions of charged fibrous virus (fd) as a model system for charged colloidal rods, where thick electric double layers are present. In particular, the system has shown the electric field–induced phase/state transitions under a low electric field strength. We briefly present the frequency responsive dynamics in the phase/state diagram and field-induced criticality in the dynamical states by approaching the field-induced critical point. In addition, the possible mechanism of low-frequency responsive dynamical states is briefly explained by the local charge redistribution of dissociation and association of condensed ions on the charged rods. The found phases/states are unique in the bulk phase diagram, away from the electrode polarization that is dominant near to the surface of the indium tin oxide glasses, in the sense that they are observed independent from the applied field amplitude and frequency.