Speed inhomogeneity accelerates information transfer in polar flock

Area of Science:

• Statistical Physics
• Complex Systems
• Active Matter Physics

Background:

• Self-propelled particles (SPPs) in two dimensions exhibit coherent motion and long-range order.
• Spatial inhomogeneities typically disrupt long-range ordering in SPP systems.
• The impact of intrinsic particle property variations on ordering remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of inhomogeneous speed (IS) among polar SPPs on collective behavior.
• To determine if intrinsic particle property variations can influence long-range ordering and flock dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Simulated a collection of polar self-propelled particles (SPPs) with varying individual speeds on a 2D substrate.
• Analyzed the emergence and stability of long-range order in the presence of inhomogeneous speed (IS).
• Compared the ordering dynamics and response to perturbations with homogeneous speed models (e.g., Vicsek-like models).

Main Results:

• Inhomogeneous speed (IS) not only preserves but also accelerates the establishment of long-range order.
• The flock exhibits faster response to external perturbations compared to homogeneous speed systems.
• Increased neighbor update frequency due to IS enhances information transfer within the flock.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic particle property variations, specifically inhomogeneous speed (IS), can be beneficial for flock ordering.
• IS promotes faster collective dynamics and improved resilience to external disturbances.
• This study highlights IS as a mechanism to enhance information transfer in active matter systems.