Emergence and melting of active vortex crystals

Melting of two-dimensional (2D) equilibrium crystals is a complex phenomenon characterized by the sequential loss of positional and orientational order. In contrast to passive systems, active crystals can self-assemble and melt into an active fluid by virtue of their intrinsic motility and inherent non-equilibrium stresses. Currently, the non-equilibrium physics of active crystallization and melting processes is not well understood. Here, we establish the emergence and investigate the melting of self-organized vortex crystals in 2D active fluids using a generalized Toner-Tu theory. Performing extensive hydrodynamic simulations, we find rich transition scenarios. On small domains, we identify a hysteretic transition as well as a transition featuring temporal coexistence of active vortex lattices and active turbulence, both of which can be controlled by self-propulsion and active stresses. On large domains, an active vortex crystal with solid order forms within the parameter range corresponding to active vortex lattices. The melting of this crystal proceeds through an intermediate hexatic phase. Generally, these results highlight the differences and similarities between crystalline phases in active fluids and their equilibrium counterparts.