We use inverse methods of statistical mechanics and computer simulations to
investigate whether an isotropic interaction designed to stabilize a given
two-dimensional (2D) lattice will also favor an analogous three-dimensional
(3D) structure, and vice versa. Specifically, we determine the 3D ordered
lattices favored by isotropic potentials optimized to exhibit stable 2D
honeycomb (or square) periodic structures, as well as the 2D ordered structures
favored by isotropic interactions designed to stabilize 3D diamond (or simple
cubic) lattices. We find a remarkable `transferability' of isotropic potentials
designed to stabilize analogous morphologies in 2D and 3D, irrespective of the
exact interaction form, and we discuss the basis of this cross-dimensional
behavior. Our results suggest that the discovery of interactions that drive
assembly into certain 3D periodic structures of interest can be assisted by
less computationally intensive optimizations targeting the analogous 2D
lattices.Comment: 22 pages (preprint version; includes supplementary information), 5
figures, 3 table
