Scaling behavior of transient dynamics of vortex-like states in self-propelled particles

TL;DR

This study uncovers a universal power-law scaling law for the lifetime of vortex-like states in active matter systems, demonstrating robustness against environmental noise and providing insights into nonequilibrium transient dynamics.

Contribution

It reveals a universal scaling behavior of vortex lifetimes in active matter, highlighting robustness against noise and offering experimental validation pathways.

Findings

Identified a universal power-law scaling for vortex lifetime.

Demonstrated robustness of the scaling against environmental noise.

Provided experimental feasibility for observing the phenomena.

Abstract

Nonequilibrium many-body transient dynamics play an important role in the adaptation of active matter systems environment changes. However, the generic universal behavior of such dynamics is usually elusive and left as open questions. Here, we investigate the transient dynamics of vortex-like states in a two-dimensional active matter system that consists of self-propelled particles with alignment interactions subjected to extrinsic environmental noise. We identify a universal power-law scaling for the average lifetime of vortex-like states with respect to the speed of the self-propelled particles. This universal scaling behavior manifests strong robustness against the noise, up to the level where influences from environmental fluctuations are large enough to directly randomize the moving directions of particles. Direct experimental observations can be readily performed by related experimental setups operated at a decently low noise level.