Dynamics, interference effects, and multistability in a Lorenz-like system of a classical wave-particle entity in a periodic potential

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex dynamics of a classical wave-particle entity modeled by a Lorenz-like system in a periodic potential, revealing multistability, interference-like effects, and various unsteady states through theoretical and numerical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a Lorenz-like model for a wave-particle entity in a periodic potential and uncovers novel dynamical behaviors including multistability and interference effects.

Findings

Identification of steady and unsteady states of the system

Observation of interference-like patterns in parameter space

Discovery of multistability depending on initial conditions

Abstract

A classical wave-particle entity (WPE) can be realized experimentally as a droplet walking on the free surface of a vertically vibrating liquid bath, with the droplet's horizontal walking motion guided by its self-generated wave field. These self-propelled WPEs have been shown to exhibit analogs of several quantum and optical phenomena. Using an idealized theoretical model that takes the form of a Lorenz-like system, we theoretically and numerically explore the dynamics of such a one-dimensional WPE in a sinusoidal potential. We find steady states of the system that correspond to a stationary WPE as well as a rich array of unsteady motions such as back-and-forth oscillating walkers, runaway oscillating walkers and various types of irregular walkers. In the parameter space formed by the dimensionless parameters of the applied sinusoidal potential, we observe patterns of alternating unsteady behaviors suggesting interference effects. Additionally, in certain regions of the parameter space, we also identify multistability in the particle's long-term behavior that depends on the initial conditions. We make analogies between the identified behaviors in the WPE system and Bragg's reflection of light as well as electron motion in crystals.