Synchronization modes of chitosan surfers with various sizes

Area of Science:

• Active matter physics
• Complex systems dynamics
• Interfacial phenomena

Background:

• Coupled oscillator networks typically achieve synchrony by tuning coupling strength.
• Active matter systems present challenges in controlled synchronization due to weak interactions and erratic particle motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate collective dynamics and synchronization modes in chitosan motors.
• Explore how bead size influences coupling strength and synchronization in active matter.
• Analyze synchronization transitions in three- and four-bead configurations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing chitosan motors at the air-liquid interface.
• Modulating effective coupling strength via competition between capillary attraction and Marangoni repulsion.
• Tuning bead size to control coupling strength and observe synchronization modes.

Main Results:

• Quasi-identical beads exhibited collective synchrony with breathing-like behavior.
• Size asymmetry in beads led to partial synchrony.
• The four-bead system showed sensitivity to initial conditions, resulting in varied trajectories and state switching.

Conclusions:

• Bead size is a critical parameter for controlling synchronization in active matter systems.
• The interplay of capillary and Marangoni forces dictates collective dynamics.
• Chitosan motors offer a model system for studying complex synchronization phenomena.