Density-Independent transient caging in the high-density phase of motility-induced phase separation

TL;DR

This study reveals that in active matter systems undergoing motility-induced phase separation, particles experience transient caging with consistent local mobility despite increasing density, and transition to a solid-like state at very high densities.

Contribution

It uncovers a novel high-density regime with transient caging and dynamical arrest in active Brownian particles, linking MIPS to nonequilibrium glassy behavior.

Findings

Transient caging occurs in the high-density phase.

Local diffusivity remains unchanged despite density increases.

System transitions to a solid-like state at very high densities.

Abstract

We investigate the nonequilibrium dynamics of active matter using a two-dimensional active Brownian particles model. In these systems, self-propelled particles undergo motility-induced phase separation (MIPS), spontaneously segregating into dense and dilute phases. We find that in the high-density phase, local particle mobility exhibits transient caging, with diffusivity remaining unchanged despite variations in the global system density. As global density increases further, the system undergoes a transition to a solid-like state through an intermediate regime with pronounced dynamical arrest. Our findings identify a distinct high-density regime characterized by transient caging and dynamical slowing down in a monodisperse active system, shedding new light on the connection between MIPS and nonequilibrium arrest.