Crystal formation in systems of pseudo-forced swarmalators

TL;DR

This paper investigates how pseudo-forces influence the collective behavior of swarmalators, leading to phase transitions and crystal order, by introducing a new order parameter based on Fourier analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a pseudo-force model for swarmalators and a novel Fourier-based order parameter to quantify their crystal order and phase transitions.

Findings

Transitions from active to static states due to pseudo-force attraction

Introduction of a Fourier-based order parameter for crystal order

Observation of phase behavior changes with pseudo-force strength

Abstract

Swarmalators are active agents that move in position space and exhibit internal degrees of freedom. Due to interactions of their positions and phases of oscillation, they show on the one hand swarming, similar to the effect of flocking of birds. In addition, they exhibit synchronization behavior, analogous to what has been observed in fireflies. Previous works studied scenarios in which the phases are forced externally. Here, we consider a pseudo-force that acts on the positions of the swarmalators. Due to the resulting attraction towards the center of position space, transitions from the splintered and active phase-wave state to the static antisynchronized state are found. To quantify the crystal order of swarmalators, we introduce an order parameter that is based on the Fourier transform of their positions.