Matching rules from Al–Co potentials in an almost realistic model

Abstract

Abstract We consider a model decagonal quasicrystal of composition Al80.1Co19.9 – closely related to actual structures, and using realistic pair potentials – on a quasilattice of candidate sites. Its ground state, according to simulations, is a Hexagon-Boat-Star tiling satisfying Penrose´s matching rules. In this note, we rationalize these results in terms of the potentials; the Al–Co second-neighbor potential well is crucial.