Rectification and collective dynamics of active particles driven by misaligned perception-dependent motility.

Area of Science:

• Physics of active matter
• Complex systems dynamics
• Statistical mechanics

Background:

• Active particles exhibit complex behaviors influenced by their environment and internal properties.
• Perception-dependent motility introduces novel interactions and collective phenomena in active matter systems.
• Asymmetric channels can act as ratchets, enabling directed motion from random or swirling dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically investigate the rectification and collective dynamics of active particles driven by perception-dependent motility.
• To explore how misaligned perception and asymmetric channels interact to produce directed motion.
• To understand the conditions for optimal rectification and collective behaviors like clustering and separation.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations of active particles in an asymmetric channel.
• Modeling perception-dependent motility with parameters like visual cone angle and perception threshold.
• Analysis of particle trajectories, collective motion (rotation, translation), and rectification efficiency.

Main Results:

• Swirling motion from misaligned perception is converted into directed motion via a ratchet mechanism.
• Particle motion direction depends on channel asymmetry, not misalignment orientation.
• Identical particles form rotating, translating clusters; binary mixtures show rectification and separation.
• Optimal rectification achieved at specific channel widths, self-propulsion speeds, and perception parameters.

Conclusions:

• Misaligned perception-dependent motility is a viable mechanism for controlling active matter in asymmetric environments.
• The interplay between particle perception and channel geometry dictates collective dynamics and rectification.
• Findings suggest pathways for designing active matter systems with desired collective behaviors and transport properties.