Noise induced phase separation in active systems: Creating patterns with noise

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that configuration-dependent noise in active particle systems can induce large-scale pattern formation, including ordered bands and disordered clusters, without complex alignment rules.

Contribution

It introduces a novel noise coupling mechanism in a Vicsek-like model that leads to pattern formation in active matter systems.

Findings

Large-scale ordered and disordered patterns emerge due to noise

Ordered band and disordered cluster states are observed

Pattern formation occurs without complex alignment interactions

Abstract

We study the flocking and pattern formations of active particles with a Vicsek-like model that includes a configuration dependent noise term. In particular, we couple the strength of the noise with both the local density and orientation of neighboring particles. Our results show that such a configuration dependent noise can lead to the appearance of large-scale ordered and disordered patterns, without the need for any complex alignment interactions. In particular, we obtain an ordered band or line state and a disordered active cluster, similar to that seen in the case of motility induced phase separation.