Swirling Due to Misaligned Perception-Dependent Motility

Phys Rev Lett. 2024 Jun 28;132(26):268301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.268301.

Abstract

A system of particles with motility variable in terms of a vision-type of perception is investigated by a combination of Langevin dynamics simulations in two-dimensional systems and an analytical approach based on conservation law principles. Persistent swirling with predetermined direction is here induced by differentiating the self-propulsion direction and the perception cone axis. Clusters can have a fluidlike center with a rotating outer layer or display a solidlike rotation driven by the outer layer activity. Discontinuous motility with misaligned perception might therefore serve as a powerful self-organization strategy in microrobots.