Defect dynamics in active smectics induced by confining geometry and topology

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

The persistent dynamics in systems out of equilibrium, particularly those characterized by annihilation and creation of topological defects, is known to involve complicated spatiotemporal processes and is deemed difficult to control. Here the complex dynamics of defects in active smectic layers exposed to strong confinements is explored, through self-propulsion of active particles and a variety of confining geometries with different topology, ranging from circular, flower-shaped epicycloid, to hypocycloid cavities, channels, and rings. We identify a wealth of dynamical behaviors during the evolution of complex spatiotemporal defect patterns as induced by the confining shape and topology, particularly a perpetual creation-annihilation dynamical state at intermediate activity with large fluctuations of topological defects and a controllable transition from oscillatory to damped time correlation of defect number density via mechanisms governed by boundary cusps. Our results are obtained by using an active phase field crystal approach. Possible experimental realizations are also discussed.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer294
FachzeitschriftCommunications Physics
Jahrgang5
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 19 Nov. 2022
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 85142290720

Schlagworte

Fächergruppen, Lehr- und Forschungsbereiche, Fachgebiete nach Destatis

Bibliotheksschlagworte