Single-file diffusion of colloids in one-dimensional channels

Single-file diffusion, prevalent in many processes, refers to the restricte d motion of interacting particles in narrow micropores with the mutual pass age excluded. A single-filing system was developed by confining colloidal s pheres in one-dimensional circular channels of micrometer scale. Optical vi deo microscopy study shows evidence that the particle self-diffusion is non -Fickian for long periods of time. In particular, the distribution of parti cle displacement is a Gaussian function.