Arbitrage equilibria in active matter systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new theory called statistical teleodynamics that explains motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) in active matter as an arbitrage equilibrium, linking it to concepts from game theory and thermodynamics.

Contribution

It presents a novel theoretical framework that unifies nonequilibrium MIPS with equilibrium models, revealing its nature as an arbitrage equilibrium and connecting it to other phase-separation phenomena.

Findings

MIPS is an example of arbitrage equilibrium.

MIPS is mathematically equivalent to phase separation in sociology and economics.

Janus particles and chemotaxis effects are analyzed within this framework.

Abstract

The motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) phenomenon in active matter has been of great interest for the past decade or so. A central conceptual puzzle is that this behavior, which is generally characterized as a nonequilibrium phenomenon, can yet be explained using simple equilibrium models of thermodynamics. Here, we address this problem using a new theory, statistical teleodynamics, which is a conceptual synthesis of game theory and statistical mechanics. In this framework, active agents compete in their pursuit of maximum effective utility, and this self-organizing dynamics results in an arbitrage equilibrium in which all agents have the same effective utility. We show that MIPS is an example of arbitrage equilibrium and that it is mathematically equivalent to other phase-separation phenomena in entirely different domains, such as sociology and economics. As examples, we present the behavior of Janus particles in a potential trap and the effect of chemotaxis on MIPS.