Bulk Condensation by an Active Interface
We present experiments, supported by mechanically detailed simulations, establishing bulk condensation of a hard-bead fluid by a tiny population of orientable motile grains that self-assembles into a moving polarized monolayer. In a quasi-1D geometry two such layers, oppositely aligned, immobilize the condensed nonmotile component. We account for our observations through a continuum theory with a naturally nonreciprocal Cahn-Hilliard structure, whose predicted trends as a function of packing fraction are consistent with our observations.
Authors
- Sriraṁ Ramaswamy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7726-8556)
- Raushan Kant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1640-9524)
- Harsh Soni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1189-5543)
- A. K. Sood
- Rahul Gupta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3486-139X)
Institutions
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (IN)
- International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (IN)
- Sanya University (CN)
- Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IN)
- Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Physical Review Letters
- Published
- 2024-11-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.133.208301
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Micro and Nano Robotics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.87
Funders
- Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences
- International Centre for Theoretical Sciences
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
- University Grants Commission
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Science and Engineering Research Board