Work

Autonomous rotation of a ratchet motor driven by active camphor particles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A ratchet motor driven by camphor floats on water was studied. As the number of particles increased, the symmetry of the ratchet's spinning direction broke and the direction favored by the ratchet structure was selected. Interaction among camphor particles generated a unique motion in one particle that triggered this symmetry breaking. The motion of other particles was influenced by the gear rotation, reinforcing the asymmetry in the circulation. This ratchet system introduced a novel concept: a ratchet powered by the interactive dynamics between the ratchet itself and the background motions.

Source: Chemistry Letters

DOI: 10.1093/chemle/upaf141

Authors: Miku Hatatani, Seiji Horikawa, Nobuhiko J Suematsu, Daigo Yamamoto, Akihisa Shioi

Institutions: Doshisha University, Meiji University

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,003

Funders: Jiangsu Science and Technology Department, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science