Sync and swarm: solvable model of non-identical swarmalators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a solvable model for non-identical swarmalators, revealing four collective states and providing an analytical framework applicable to various active matter systems.

Contribution

It presents the first analytic description of non-identical swarmalator states using a generalized Ott-Antonsen ansatz, expanding understanding of their collective behaviors.

Findings

Identification of four collective states: asynchrony, sync clusters, vortex-like phase-waves, and mixed state.

Analytic conditions for the existence of these states.

Application of the model to real-world systems like microswimmers and drones.

Abstract

We study a model of non-identical swarmalators, generalizations of phase oscillators that both sync in time and swarm in space. The model produces four collective states: asynchrony, sync clusters, vortex-like phase-waves, and a mixed state. These states occur in many real-world swarmalator systems such as biological microswimmers, chemical nanomotors, and groups of drones. A generalized Ott-Antonsen ansatz provides the first analytic description of these states and conditions for their existence. We show how this approach may be used in studies of active matter and related disciplines.