Sorting and Extraction of Self-Propelled Chiral Particles by Polarized Wall Currents.

Area of Science:

• Physics of complex systems
• Soft matter physics
• Statistical mechanics

Background:

• Self-propelled particles exhibit rich collective behaviors.
• Chirality plays a crucial role in particle dynamics and interactions.
• Understanding particle transport in confined geometries is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the dynamics of self-propelled particles with curved trajectories.
• Analyze the distinct bulk and surface modes of particle motion.
• Demonstrate a mechanism for chiral sorting and extraction.

Main Methods:

• Observation of particle dynamics in a controlled environment.
• Analysis of particle trajectories and motion modes.
• Implementation of a domain with selective exit gates for particle collection.

Main Results:

• Two distinct motion modes were identified: bulk (quasicircular) and surface (wall-following).
• Surface mode enables ballistic transport, with particle current dependent on chirality.
• Selective sorting and extraction of left- and right-circling particles were achieved.
• A counterslope enhanced extraction rate and reduced sorting error.

Conclusions:

• Chiral self-propelled particles exhibit distinct dynamic modes.
• Particle chirality is key for directed transport and selective sorting.
• The developed system offers efficient chiral particle separation and extraction.