A quorum sensing active matter in a confined geometry

TL;DR

This paper explores how active Janus particles confined in a circular cavity form various cluster phases due to quorum sensing, revealing complex behaviors influenced by boundary conditions, sensing range, and noise levels.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical model of quorum sensing in active matter within confined geometries, demonstrating diverse clustering phenomena not previously characterized.

Findings

Observation of glassy, solid, and liquid cluster phases

Dependence of cluster types on boundary conditions and sensing range

Identification of noise effects on cluster stability

Abstract

Inspired by the problem of biofilm growth, we numerically investigate clustering in a two-dimensional suspension of active (Janus) particles of finite size confined in a circular cavity. Their dynamics is regulated by a non-reciprocal mechanism that causes them to switch from active to passive above a certain threshold of the perceived near-neighbor density (quorum sensing).A variety of cluster phases -- glassy, solid (hexatic) and liquid -- is observed depending on the particle dynamics at the boundary, the quorum sensing range, and the level of noise