Harmonic lattice behavior of two-dimensional colloidal crystals

Using positional data from videomicroscopy and applying the equipartition theorem for harmonic Hamiltonians, we determine the wave-vector-dependent normal mode spring constants of a two-dimensional colloidal model crystal and compare the measured band structure to predictions of the harmonic lattice theory. We find good agreement for both the transversal and the longitudinal modes. For q-->0, the measured spring constants are consistent with the elastic moduli of the crystal.