Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cyclic transitions between active and passive states are central to many natural and synthetic systems, ranging from light-driven active particles to animal migrations. Here, we investigate a minimal model of self-propelled Brownian particles undergoing cyclic transitions across three spatial zones: gain, loss, and neutral regions. Particles become active in the gain region, passive in the loss region, and retain their state in the neutral region. By analyzing the steady-state behavior as a function of particle number and the size of the loss region, we identify a threshold particle number, below and above which distinct structural changes are observed. Interestingly, below this threshold, increasing the particle number reduces the state-switching time (the time required for a particle to transition from active to passive and back to active). In contrast, above the threshold, further increases in particle number result in longer switching times. In the subthreshold regime, our analytical model predicts structural characteristics and switching dynamics that align well with simulations. Above the threshold, we observe an emergent clustering, with particles transitioning from passive to active states in close proximity. These findings provide insights into the collective dynamics of cyclic processes between active and passive states across distinct spatial zones in active matter systems.
Source: Physical Review Research
DOI: 10.1103/bxmn-hzwh
Authors: Ye Zhang, Duanduan Wan
Institution: Wuhan University
Language: English
Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,625
Award: G1286842215
OpenAlex ID: W4406887732