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Dynamical Pattern Formation without Self-Attraction in Quorum-Sensing Active Matter: The Interplay between
Yu Duan1, Jaime Agudo-Canalejo1, Ramin Golestanian1,2
1Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|October 20, 2023
Summary
This study reveals a novel mechanism for pattern formation in two-species particle systems, driven by self-propulsion and nonreciprocal interactions, leading to dynamic chasing bands and slow coarsening in phase-separated states.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Complex Systems
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- Quorum-sensing rules govern interactions in many biological and physical systems.
- Pattern formation typically relies on attractive forces within species.
- Understanding emergent dynamics in multi-species systems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a new mechanism for dynamical pattern formation in a two-species particle model.
- To investigate the role of self-propulsion and nonreciprocity in interspecies couplings.
- To analyze phase separation and coarsening dynamics in the presence of self-attraction.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic simulations of a two-species particle model.
- Linear stability analysis of a coarse-grained field theory.
- Investigation of phase separation and coarsening behavior.
Main Results:
- A novel mechanism for pattern formation via chasing bands, independent of intraspecies attraction.
- Identification of a dynamical phase of chasing bands induced by self-propulsion and nonreciprocity.
- Phase separation into chaotic chasing bands and a dilute gas upon introducing self-attraction.
- Anomalously slow coarsening due to chaotic band dynamics at phase interfaces.
Conclusions:
- Self-propulsion and nonreciprocal interspecies interactions can drive complex pattern formation.
- The interplay of these factors can lead to unique phase behaviors like chaotic chasing bands.
- These dynamics significantly impact macroscopic properties such as coarsening rates.
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