Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
08:55
Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
9.0K
Tuning nonequilibrium phases with odd forces: From crystalline order to vortex structures in systems with competing
Rui-Xue Guo1,2, Mian-Zhi Dai3, Jia-Jian Li1,2
1South China Normal University, Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, School of Physics, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Physical Review. E
|March 20, 2026
Summary
We explored nonequilibrium chiral active systems with competing interactions. Odd forces drive transitions between five distinct phases, including crystalline, nematic, and bubble states, revealing complex collective behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Soft Matter Physics
- Active Matter Physics
Background:
- Nonequilibrium chiral active systems display complex behaviors due to driving forces and interparticle interactions.
- Understanding phase transitions in these systems is crucial for predicting emergent collective phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the phase behavior of a 2D active system with competing interactions and nonconservative odd forces.
- To identify and characterize distinct nonequilibrium phases and their transitions.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of a 2D particle system.
- System parameters included competing long-range repulsion and short-range attraction.
- Particles were driven by nonconservative odd forces.
Main Results:
- Identified five distinct nonequilibrium phases: crystalline, triangular velocity, nematic, bubble, and rotating cluster.
- Phase transitions were controlled by attraction strength and odd-force intensity.
- Revealed a rich phase diagram illustrating system behavior.
Conclusions:
- Odd forces play a critical role in directing the structural and dynamical evolution of active matter.
- The interplay between competing interactions and odd forces leads to diverse collective phenomena.
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