Diffusion of Chiral Janus Particles in a Sinusoidal Channel

TL;DR

This study explores how the movement of artificial microswimmers, specifically Janus particles, is affected by channel shape and propulsion mechanism, providing insights for controlling their diffusion in confined spaces.

Contribution

It offers a detailed analysis of how channel geometry and propulsion mechanisms influence the diffusion of Janus particles, aiding in the design of controlled microswimmer systems.

Findings

Diffusion constant varies with propulsion mechanism

Channel geometry significantly affects particle diffusion

Insights for optimizing active Brownian motion control

Abstract

We investigate the transport diffusivity of artificial microswimmers, a.k.a. Janus particles, moving in a sinusoidal channel in the absence of external biases. Their diffusion constant turns out to be quite sensitive to the self-propulsion mechanism and the geometry of the channel compartments. Our analysis thus suggests how to best control the diffusion of active Brownian motion in confined geometries.