Thermodynamic and structural anomalies of the Gaussian-core model in one dimension

We investigated the equilibrium properties of a one-dimensional system of classical particles which interact in pairs through a bounded repulsive potential with a Gaussian shape. Notwithstanding the absence of a proper fluid–solid phase transition, we found that the system exhibits a complex behaviour, with ‘anomalies’ in the density and in the thermodynamic response functions which closely recall those observed in bulk and confined liquid water. We also discuss the emergence in the cold fluid under compression of an unusual structural regime, characterized by density correlations reminiscent of the ordered arrangements found in clustered crystals.