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Active matter particles exhibit directional locking to substrate symmetry directions when their run time is long. This phenomenon is influenced by obstacle size and density, with implications for particle transport in periodic environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Active Matter

Background:

  • Directional locking is observed in systems like colloids and superconducting vortices on periodic substrates.
  • This phenomenon involves particles becoming constrained to specific substrate symmetry directions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate directional locking in run-and-tumble active matter particles.
  • Analyze the influence of substrate geometry and particle-obstacle interactions on locking behavior.
  • Examine the effect of external biasing forces on directional locking.

Main Methods:

  • Simulated run-and-tumble active matter particles interacting with periodic obstacle arrays.
  • Varied particle run times, obstacle size and density, and applied biasing forces.
  • Analyzed particle trajectories and velocity distributions to identify locking directions.

Main Results:

  • Active particles lock to substrate symmetry directions at large run times.
  • The number of locking directions depends on array density and particle-obstacle size ratio.
  • For a square array, locking occurs at x, y, and 45° for large obstacles, with more angles for smaller obstacles.
  • Biasing force effects are dependent on the self-propulsion to biasing force ratio.
  • Nonmonotonic trapping behavior observed for large obstacles under biased driving.

Conclusions:

  • Run-and-tumble active matter exhibits directional locking analogous to passive systems.
  • Substrate geometry and particle-obstacle interactions play a crucial role in determining locking behavior.
  • External driving forces modulate locking, potentially leading to complex behaviors like nonmonotonic trapping.