Multi-stable free states of an active particle from a coherent memory dynamics

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex dynamics of a self-propelled particle with coherent memory, revealing multiple stable free states and oscillatory behaviors through experiments and simulations, driven by wave interference effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of multiple stable free states in a memory-driven active particle system, combining experimental and numerical evidence.

Findings

Multiple stable free states identified

Oscillatory regimes observed in phase space

Coexistence of states due to wave-based memory

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of a deterministic self-propelled particle endowed with coherent memory. We evidence experimentally and numerically that it exhibits several stable free states. The system is composed of a self-propelled drop bouncing on a vibrated liquid driven by the waves it emits at each bounce. This object possesses a propulsion memory resulting from the coherent interference of the waves accumulated along its path. We investigate here the transitory regime of the build-up of the dynamics which leads to velocity modulations. Experiments and numerical simulations enable us to explore unchartered areas of the phase space and reveal the existence of a self-sustained oscillatory regime. Finally, we show the co-existence of several free states. This feature emerges both from the spatio-temporal non-locality of this path memory dynamics as well as the wave nature of the driving mechanism.