Emergence of coexisting ordered states in active matter systems.

Area of Science:

• Soft matter physics
• Active matter physics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Active systems display diverse ordered patterns, unlike equilibrium systems.
• Transitions to polar or nematic phases are known in 2D active systems.
• Coexistence of different order types in active systems remains unreported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate dynamic coexistence of different ordered phases in an active system.
• To identify the conditions enabling coexistence of polar and nematic order.
• To explore emergent symmetry in macroscopic active matter.

Main Methods:

• Actomyosin motility assays were used for experimental observation.
• Agent-based simulations were employed to model system behavior.
• Analysis focused on interaction strengths and symmetry properties.

Main Results:

• Dynamic coexistence of fluctuating polar and nematic ordered states was observed.
• Sufficiently weak interactions, lacking clear alignment symmetry, are crucial for coexistence.
• Macroscopic order symmetry emerged dynamically from system properties.

Conclusions:

• Living systems can generate diverse order types using the same components.
• Emergent, dynamic symmetry is a key feature of active matter systems.
• This work provides a framework for understanding complex pattern formation in active systems.