Non-Gaussian anomalous dynamics in systems of interacting run-and-tumble particles

TL;DR

This paper studies the anomalous, non-Gaussian dynamics of a tagged particle in systems of interacting run-and-tumble particles, revealing persistent non-Gaussian behavior at intermediate times due to environmental fluctuations.

Contribution

It demonstrates how non-Gaussian dynamics arise in interacting run-and-tumble systems and highlights the importance of environmental changes in causing deviations from Gaussian behavior.

Findings

Tagged particle shows anomalous dynamics below persistence time.

Non-Gaussian behavior persists in the lattice model at intermediate densities.

Environmental fluctuations are key to non-Gaussianity in the system.

Abstract

The motion of a tagged degree of freedom can give important insight in the interactions present in a complex environment. We investigate the dynamics of a tagged particle in two non-equilibrium systems that consist of interacting run-and-tumble particles. The first one is an exactly solvable polymer model, the second is a two-dimensional lattice model, which is studied through simulations. We find that in both cases a tagged particle shows anomalous dynamics and non-Gaussian behaviour for times below the persistence time of the run-and-tumble motion. For later times, the dynamics of the tagged monomer becomes diffusive and Gaussian. In the lattice model, non-Gaussianity persists and can, for intermediate densities, be well approximated by a Laplace distribution. We attribute this behaviour to the dynamically changing environment of the tagged particle, which we argue, is an essential ingredient to observe deviations from Gaussianity.