Instability of spatially periodic patterns due to a zero mode in the phase-field crystal equation

Weakly nonlinear spatially periodic patterns coupled to a Goldstone (zero) mode of the phase-field crystal model are investigated. Rotationally invariant equations for the dynamics of the amplitudes of a hexagonal pattern are derived first, which then allows us to determine stability regions for stripes and hexagons. There are parameter regimes in which all periodic patterns become unstable as a result of long-wavelength instabilities generated by the zero mode.