A molecular dynamics simulation was made of the interaction between vacancies in a two-dimensional van der Waals crystal. It was found that the vacancy–vacancy interaction was attractive at short distances, but its binding energy was not enough to keep the pair bonded in the melting regime; where the vacancies were more likely to be created.

On the Interaction of Vacancies in a Two-Dimensional Rare-Gas Crystal. L.Modesto, D.L.S.Júnior, J.N.T.Rabelo, L.Cândido: Solid State Communications, 2008, 145[7-8], 355-8