Translational order in a nanoconfined dipolar fluid Original Research Article

Using Monte Carlo simulations in a constant-parallel pressure ensemble we investigate the translational structure in strongly coupled dipolar soft sphere fluids confined to a film of nanoscopic thickness. To this end we compute density profiles, in-plane correlation functions, and bond order parameters at different pressures corresponding to globally isotropic and orientationally ordered states. We then compare these quantities to those evaluated for a corresponding non-dipolar fluid, that is, soft spheres at the same average density (and temperature). We find that the dipolar forces, and the resulting tendency to form chained and orientationally ordered states, strongly change the “underlying” soft-sphere structure in the whole density range considered.